Adamarie Márquez Acevedo hails from Carolina, Puerto Rico (Borikén), where she was raised alongside the beaches and rivers, learning the rhythms of Borikén with her abuelas. Although she comes from a multicultural family, she maintains strong Arawak-Taíno cultural roots that continue to shape how she understands her relationship with Land, community, and science. A first-generation college student, Adamarie moved to the continental United States to pursue undergraduate degrees in Animal

Cheyenne Skye Branscum is a Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and nonprofit expert specializing in STEM, program design, financial management, fundraising, and inclusion. She made history as the first tribal citizen elected to the Sierra Club Board of Directors and currently serves as the organization’s Treasurer, helping to guide financial strategies that advance their mission. At AISES, Cheyenne collaborates across several flagship PK–12 initiatives including the National American Indian Science &

Marie is a member of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island. Born and raised in California, she holds a cleared California multiple subject teaching credential, as well as a Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction. Marie first joined AISES during her undergrad while attending Cal Poly SLO. She became involved with AISES again as a teacher while working at a Tribal school, which eventually led her to join AISES

Dr. Terry Chavis is an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and grew up on his tribal lands in Pembroke, NC. A descendant of sharecroppers and tradespeople, he is a First-Generation College student with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Mars Hill University, and a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Western Carolina University. Terry received his doctorate in Higher Education at UNC-Greensboro. Terry’s has over a

Raven Dial-Stanley is an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe from Greensboro, North Carolina, whose work centers on Indigenous art, education, and community engagement. She joined the AISES in January 2025 as a part-time PK–12 Programs Officer, where she supported the implementation of the FIIRE (Fostering Indigenous Innovation in Robotics Education) program. In her role, she collaborates with colleagues to develop AISES Clubs and contributes to the planning of the

Shayna Dix has served AISES as the Executive Assistant for two years before transitioning to the Individual Membership Manager role. She has a background in Education and a Masters from the University of Denver in Nonprofit Leadership where her research focus was centered on lowering the graduation and achievement gaps within underrepresented communities. As the Individual Membership Manager, Shayna is responsible for connecting the AISES Members to programming and opportunities

Shelly is a citizen of The Cherokee Nation and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Shelly comes to AISES with a wealth of knowledge, having worked in the Higher Education field for the past 20 years where she assisted thousands of students meet their educational goals. Her role in Higher Education began at Northeastern State University as a student financial counselor and prior to leaving the University Shelly directed the

Lexi, a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is an accomplished environmental scientist and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous self-governance. With a Master’s in Environmental Science from Oklahoma State University and extensive experience as both Environmental Coordinator, and Self-Governance and Grants Coordinator at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she excels in grant management, compliance, and leading impactful tribal programs. Lexi’s expertise lies in crafting precise grant proposals, ensuring compliance, and

Niklas Frimberger is an environmental educator and nonprofit professional dedicated to expanding access to STEM, climate, and sustainability education. With experience spanning environmental advocacy, K–12 program development, and nonprofit work, he specializes in designing educational initiatives that connect communities with environmental stewardship and emerging technologies. He has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Arizona State University and uses that experience to inform his work in program management, outreach, and