Ahtza Dawn Chavez

Ahtza (Ahh-ttsaa) D. Chavez is a two-spirit asdzą́ą́ member of the Diné Nation born for Kewa Pueblo. She is the proud mother to a son and the daughter of Cari W. (Diné) and Everett F. Chavez (Kewa Pueblo). As the Executive Director of Naeva (501c3) and NM Native Vote (501c4), she oversees partner organizations tasked with educating and creating an indigenous voting bloc in New Mexico working with key organizations and governance within the state. She is the small business owner of IndigeLens Media, which focuses on showcasing Indigenous voices, enhancing tribal community, promoting social entrepreneurship, and increasing visibility of authentic representations of Indigenous culture and language. 

Ahtza studied Sociology (urban policy) at Stanford University until her Senior year when she transferred to the University of New Mexico. She has an MBA from the UNM Anderson School of Business and a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) from the UNM School of Law with a concentration in federal Indian law. Her vision includes focusing on increasing civic engagement within Native American communities, continuing to collaborate and unify a voter bloc while strengthening Indigenous sovereignty, and control over our sacred lands. She also wishes to reinvigorate our powers as Native tribal leaders and continue to build broadband and solar project on Indigenous land.