Carmelita Barney is part of the Navajo Nation and Yankton Sioux tribe. She joined AISES in 2025 as an Administration Coordinator at the Albuquerque office. Her role at AISES includes administrative support such as accounts receivable, payroll, bookkeeping, and customer service. She works closely with the financing and HR department.

She grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota where she learned about her Dakota culture and heritage from her father’s family. She grew up dancing at powwows as a jingle and fancy shawl dancer. During the summers she would spend weeks on the Eastern Navajo reservation (Huerfano) with her mother’s family. She learned more about her Navajo culture and heritage from her grandparents. She moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico in 2005 where she graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 2010. She has attended Central New Mexico Community College where she has achieved her associate’s degree for Information Technology (System’s Administration) and Office Technology.

Carmelita has a background in office administration, accounting, bookkeeping, office technology, customer service, and project coordination. She is looking to continue growing and improving her skillset and knowledge. She is currently finishing up her associate’s degree in accounting as well. She is delighted to join AISES and what this organization stands for in advancing indigenous people in STEM. It is her passion to work and be a part of her indigenous community.

In her free time, Carmelita enjoys her time with her husband and daugher. Whether it is watching too many movies and shows at home, traveling, or playing board games together. She enjoys capturing moments through photography and videography at events with her family and friends.