4th Annual Tribal Higher Education Summit
Schedule
Thu Jun 04 2026 at 09:30 am to 03:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
CNM Main Campus Smith Brasher Hall | Albuquerque, NM
About this Event
Join us for the 4th Annual Tribal Higher Education Summit!
The 4th Annual CNM Native American Tribal Higher Education Summit brings together educators, tribal leaders, community partners, and advocates who are committed to supporting Indigenous students in their academic and career journeys. Hosted by the CNM Native American Advisory Council in partnership with Workforce & Community Success, this summit provides valuable information, resources, and connections to help strengthen pathways into higher education and workforce opportunities.
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from a keynote speaker, engage in presentations from CNM programs and community partners, and explore resources designed to support student success. Topics include academic pathways, workforce training, financial aid, wellness resources, and Indigenous-focused programming. In addition, CNM staff and faculty will be tabling throughout the event, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly, ask questions, and learn more about available programs and services.
This event is ideal for Tribal Education Directors and staff, school counselors, Native American educators, district Indian Education staff, and anyone interested in advancing Indigenous higher education. Free parking and lunch will be provided
Agenda
đź•‘: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Check-In & Light Breakfast
đź•‘: 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Introduction – Patrick Gomez, South Valley Campus Manager & NAAC Co-Chair
đź•‘: 10:05 AM - 10:10 AM
Invocation – Larrison Nelson, Academic Technical Assistant & Tribal Liaison
đź•‘: 10:10 AM - 10:20 AM
Welcome Address – CNM President Tracy Hartzler
đź•‘: 10:20 AM - 10:45 AM
Keynote Speaker – Darius Lee Smith, Executive Director, Native Professional
đź•‘: 10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
Native American Advisory Council Presentation – Teresa Billy & Mary H-A
đź•‘: 11:05 AM - 11:30 AM
CNM Ingenuity Presentation – Amelia Milazzo
đź•‘: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Break / Raffle Drawing
đź•‘: 11:45 AM - 12:10 PM
Workforce & Community Success Presentation - Joy Forehand
đź•‘: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Indigenous Teacher Preparation – Dr. Monika Whitmore
đź•‘: 12:30 PM - 01:25 PM
Lunch & Resource Fair / Raffle Drawing
đź•‘: 01:25 PM - 01:50 PM
Wellness & Planned Parenthood Presentation – Benjamin Tobias & Becki Jones
đź•‘: 01:50 PM - 02:15 PM
Native American Studies – Leroy Saiz
đź•‘: 02:15 PM - 02:40 PM
Financial Aid & Scholarships – Gerald Romero & Cruz Ortega
đź•‘: 02:40 PM - 02:55 PM
Break / Raffle Drawing
đź•‘: 02:55 PM - 03:00 PM
NAAC Closing Remarks
đź•‘: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Tour of the School of Skilled Trades & Arts – Sionna Grassbaugh
Where is it happening?
CNM Main Campus Smith Brasher Hall, 717 University Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00


















