Ryan Mariano has worked in academia for the past five years and has experience working in higher education. He has done clerical work, administrative work, and event coordinating.

Joanna Blackstone has worked in finance and Tribal Gaming for the last 15 years. She has worked in financial planning, audit and reconciliations, banking, and project management. Joanna has worked with numerous charitable organizations in the Coachella Valley and enjoys participating in community outreach activities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and traveling with her family. Joanna is excited to join the team and help CINC continue its commitment to its students and their communities.

Sandra Morayla is local to the Coachella Valley. She has a long history of love for learning and reading. She graduated with her BA in History from California State University, San Bernardino with an emphasis in Native American Studies. Sandra’s dream has always been to work in academics, and she is committed to helping others reach their dreams in their scholastic journey by encouraging and aiding them in finding scholarships as well as helping them with essays for said scholarships. She also enjoys strengthening all underrepresented communities in academia.

Hello, I am Alfonso A. Taboada I am a California Indian Nation College (C.I.N.C.) Alumni. I am also an Administrative Operations Associate for C.I.N.C. I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. I hope that I can help the community and the people in it achieve their goals and I think that C.I.N.C. is a great way to help strengthen the community.

Hello, my name is Gloria Aragon-Hernandez. Born and raised in Riverside California. My ancestors The Zapotec civilization (Be’ena’a (Zapotec) ”The Cloud People”. indigenous people of Oaxaca Mexico.

Over the past 20 years I have volunteered with (ACS) American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association fundraising for patients, families and caregivers. As well as started a walking youth group that meets for a social hour of exercise and nutrition break.

I have two grown children of one which is married, plus one grandchild. Since working at CINC I have been inspired to research my culture. I see how proud everyone is to know their family. I’m enthusiastic to learn and embrace my Mexican Native ancestry.

I managed Kids Camp for ACS for 8 years. Every year had a different theme. I taught the kids how to make pinatas, mini alters, beading bracelets, painting crafts and had relay games for prizes and during closing ceremonies the last craft incorporated lights for the last lap around the track in honor of those battling cancer and memorial. I have always loved art and enjoy working with my hands. I have had some pieces at local shows and also a featured alter participant downtown Riverside for Dia de Los Muertos also supporter for The Cheech, Chicano Art Museum in Riverside, Ca

I am a former medical assistant and manager for a medical group for 12 years. Provided medical care and therapies for patients. I have worked 30+ years in retail.

Miyaxwe, my name is Erica Muñoz. I am a proud lineal descendant of the Cahuilla Tribe and part of the team here at California Indian Nations College. I am also a current student pursuing my Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Business and Technology.
This is my second year at CINC, and I currently work in the Finance Department. Every day I have the opportunity to learn from my peers and mentors, building skills that help me grow professionally and personally. Being part of this community has shown me the importance of giving back, and I am proud to contribute to a space that uplifts Native students and creates real change.

Marsha (Anāhkūkiw) Uutela is an enrolled tribal member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, with Ojibwe ancestry rooted in White Earth, Minnesota. Her father is Menominee, and her mother is Ojibwe and Menominee, grounding her work in strong cultural values and Indigenous perspectives.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from National University (2015) and a Master of Business Administration from St. Norbert College (2022). Marsha brings extensive experience in administration, tribal governance, grant management, and program development, with a strong focus on supporting Native students, families, and communities.

Marsha currently serves as the Director of Tribal Relations & Resource Development at California Indian Nations College, where she leads efforts to strengthen partnerships, advance resource development, and support the college’s mission of serving Native American and Indigenous communities. Her professional background also includes leadership and administrative roles with the College of Menominee Nation and the Menominee Indian Tribe, where she contributed to strategic planning, policy development, and community-driven initiatives. She continued her work at Scared Oaks Healing Center, supporting youth through crisis intervention, behavioral health support, and culturally responsive care practices.

Marsha’s work is rooted in cultural competency, tribal knowledge systems, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She has extensive training in trauma-informed care, mental health support, and youth advocacy, and is passionate about creating systems that uplift and empower tribal communities.

In addition to her professional work, Marsha is a devoted mother to her two sons, Adrian and Andrew, who inspire her continued dedication to strengthening the next seven generations.

Rachel Montanez has a multicultural background. She was born and raised in Southern California. She is a descendant of Gidutikad Paiute Band of Fort Bidwell Indian Community and descendant of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. She has a lot of respect for her Mexican heritage and the French-Canadian family that has positively impacted her life. She and her husband are raising one son. Being a part of the community as they travel is a priority as they provide strong cultural representation in their son’s upbringing. She is a CINC (California Indian Nations College) alumni who graduated in 2021 with an associate degree in business and technology; and in 2023 received an associate degree in Sociology. She credits her family for her strong morals and extraordinary ambitions. She is passionate about positively impacting her community and those she encounters. She is enthusiastic to be employed at CINC and reciprocate the inspiration to future students.

Juliana Taboada is a second-generation Chicana, proudly from the Coachella Valley. Before joining CINC, Juliana advocated for Eastern Coachella Valley communities, having participated/worked in the non-profit force for almost 10 years. She has a background in conservation, and educational justice advocacy, and youth leadership building. She was featured in initiatives such as Future Women Leaders by the California Endowment in 2016, and has volunteered in the Women’s Foundation, and Youth Leadership Institute.

Outside of work, Juliana enjoys reading, hiking, baking, writing short stories, and poems, and hosts a radio show on KUCR called Florecita Rockera on Friday nights. She also holds a California Naturalist certification, specifically to the desert region.
Juliana is extremely excited to join the CINC team as their Events and External Relations Coordinator and supports the meaningful work CINC conducts.

Ronald A. Stewart holds a Doctorate in Organizational Behavior Studies, Leadership & Philanthropy from The Union Institute and University, a Master of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications from Kent State University.

Among the hallmarks of Dr. Stewart’s consultation work within the private, nonprofit, and public sectors are his tailored, practical solutions for organizations, staff, and volunteers. His services include a wide array of capacity building interventions such as training, executive coaching, executive search, board development, planning, evaluation, discussion facilitation, and fundraising.
A native of rural southeastern Ohio, Dr. Stewart is keenly aware of the need to engage young people, especially those from Appalachia, in the consideration of contemporary global issues and to encourage their participation in the delivery of local and global solutions inspired by these increased awarenesses. In 2010, Dr. Stewart established the Ronald A. Stewart Fund for International Study and Service at Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences to award qualified students with scholarship assistance so that they may engage in study and service around the globe.