The role of women in our Tribal communities has always played a crucial role in nurturing future generations. Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc. aims to continue and empower the legacy of our young Native women.

Our Mission

To protect, revitalize, and educate communities of the diverse cultures of all Tribal Nations in the State of New Mexico. Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc. also coordinates and manages the annual Miss Indian New Mexico Pageant.

Our Goals

• To provide an avenue to develop leadership skills for our Native women.

• To foster working relationships with other non-profit organizations.

• To demonstrate and educate communities of the diverse cultures of Tribal Nations in New Mexico.

• To model the teachings and traditions of women within our Tribal communities.

Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc. Board of Directors

The current Board of Directors are:

Natalie Arellanez, President

Natalie Arellanez is from the Pueblo of Acoma and shares the lineage of Hopi and Navajo. Her parents are Colleen Becenti and Cornell Torivio. Her maternal grandparents are Eunice Ortiz and the late Johnny Becenti. Her paternal grandparents are Lavine and the late Lambert Torivio. She currently sits as the President of the Miss Indian New Mexico, Board of Directors and is Miss Indian New Mexico XLV (45).

Natalie graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Native American Studies and completed in 2012 a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. In 2020 she completed a Masters of Arts in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies with a concentration in American Indian Education.

She currently works for the University of New Mexico as a Supervisor of Student Success and Certification Officer.

Natalie is always looking forward to making a better future for our communities. Her homegrown morals reflect on commitment, loyalty, and perseverance. She looks forward to collaborating with all those who are always making a better foundation for our communities.

Nicole Johnny, Vice President -Treasurer

Nicole is a member of the Navajo Nation with her clans as Kiyaa'áanii born for Tsi'naajinii, her chei is Tábaahí and her nali is Naashaashi Dine'é. Her parents are Karen Johnny and the late Vincent Johnny with her maternal grandparents Betty Williams Jumbo and the late John Jumbo. Her paternal grandparents are the late Sallie Chato Johnny and the late Navajo Code Talker, Earl Johnny.

Currently, Nicole is the Board Vice President -Treasurer and is Miss Indian New Mexico XLVII (47) from 2014-2015. Nicole graduated from Pepperdine University, with an MBA in finance and an undergraduate degree in finance and economics. Her background includes experience working in investment banking with RBC Capital Markets, tribal land valuations from both a federal and tribal perspective, and knowledge of commercial real estate development. Currently, she works for Raven Indigenous Capital Partners and serves on the Board for Diné Development Corporation, Changing Woman Initiative, and WESST.

Nicole is excited to work with the Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc. organization on continuing and empowering Indigenous women in our communities.

Janessa Bowekaty, Secretary

Janessa Bowekaty is from the Pueblo of Zuni (Shiwi). Her clans are is Frog (Dakkyakwe) and Child of Sun (Yaddokyakwe awan cha’le). Her parents are Janis and Carleton Bowekaty. Her Maternal grandparents are late Vita Tsethlikai and late Cyrus Mahkee, and paternal grandparents are Aurelia Bowekaty and Carlos Bowekaty.

Janessa is a third year undergraduate student at The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a full time student working towards a Bachelors degree in Native American studies. She is a graduate from Zuni High School in Zuni, New Mexico.  She also currently works as a child care provider partnered with the Albuquerque Public school district. Janessa has great passions working with youth, in prevention, education, enrichment and cultural engagement. She has worked with great programs such as the Zuni Youth Enrichment project, Zuni Prevention Program, Honoring Native Lives Youth Council, and Zuni Teen Health and Family wellness center. 

Janessa was honored as Miss Indian New Mexico L (50) with Franki Chavez (Ohkay Owingeh), Miss Indian New Mexico Teen IV (4) from 2017-2018. She  currently serves as a board member eager to learn more and embrace the work of Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc. One of her goals is to work collectively with others to enrich the Miss Indian New Mexico pageantry experience! She greatly appreciates those who actively embrace, protect and empower our indigenous people, matriarchs and land.

Kari Vallo, Voting Member

Kari Vallo is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma. As an Acoma Matriarch, she feels passionate about supporting our native youth and their communities when she can. Her ambassadorship roles include Miss Indian New Mexico Teen I, New Mexico Youth Beef Ambassador, and Miss Native American New Mexico State University.

In her educational endeavors, she graduated from Grants High School and received a Bachelors of Agriculture in Animal Science from New Mexico State University in 2019. Currently, she is pursuing a graduate degree in Indigenous Peoples’ Law from the University of Oklahoma.

Her passion for caring for those around her can be seen in her role as the Health Educator for the Pueblo of Acoma Health and Human Services Division. This role she feels most passionate about because she was able to support her community during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to guide her community to better health and wellness.

Kari is also a 3rd generation cattle/beef producer. Raising cattle has taught her many lessons about herself and her culture. As an avid learner, she believes there is always an opportunity to learn new things and explore the world.

All studio portraits are done by Matt Foster Studios.

Copyright Matt Foster of Matt Foster Studios ©