2024 Core Crew, building list

Marc Chavez, Program Director/ Founder, A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Marc created InterTribalYouth.org and Young Native Scholars 22 years ago. Establishing partnerships with top universities, tribal organizations and communities, Marc aims to provide world-class educational opportunities to youth and indigenize the educational experience. Marc leads in curriculum design, programming, partner collaborations, and fundraising. In addition to California's flagship programs, Marc began international programs over a decade ago in Panama, Hawaii, Jamaica and Mexico. Marc is of Nahua Decent off Michoacan’s Nahua Coast, an avid surfer, and spends much of his time with nature. Learn more about the Founder . . 

Sophia Uribe, Lead Program Assistant, grew up in a very large family learning, understanding, and practicing Indigenous culture, traditions, and food as medicine. Being of Huíchól Indigenous ancestry and Latina, her connection to the elements, health, and community have been in her blood since before birth. Sophia has worked with youth as an Academic Advisor assisting BIPOC students, and also at the San Diego Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program. She has taught weekly lessons about financial literacy, college life, mental wellbeing, balancing workloads, physiology, and much more. A University of California - Santa Cruz Alum, she finished her B.S. in Ecology/Environmental Science with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. and further career growth in the field of Biomimicry. Sophia has worked in different research labs concerning environmental sustainability, conservation, climate change action, and ecosystem preservation. She has recently gained a multitude of certifications, including PADI Open Water Scuba Diving, B.W.R.A.G Water Safety Training, and has completed Level 1 of the Surf Therapy for Trauma Training.

Jeffery L. Jackson, Mentor, Elder, Self Defense Instructor, Executive Director of One World Bridge , "Gentle Warrior Approach" to Self-Defense instructor, and mentor,, elder Jackson has served as a Native American Chaplin, assisting adults re-enter the workforce after addiction or incarceration, and a former National Champion in martial arts. Jackson’s Teaching and Practice is based in meditation, respect, protection of yourself and family. Jackson has worked out of the Native Like Water office in Imperial Beach for over 20 years. and supports administration, mentorship to program and oversees the annual Powwow on the Beach.

Manny Lieras, CA Camp Leadership and Nor Cal Water Programs Coordinator, A graduate of San Diego State University, Manny has over 20 Years working as Indigenous mentor and program coordinator for rural & urban youth. Manny has created an extensive network with California and national tribal leaders to combat issues within American Indian education, land rights, fishing and hunting rights, Indian Child Welfare and food sovereignty. A well known artist and singer in American Indian drum circles, Manny is also the producer of Injunuity , a mix of animation, music, and real thoughts from real people exploring our world from the Native American perspective. Injunuity has aired nationally on public broadcasting. Manny assists InterTribalYouth leadership, and crowd sourcing for Native Like Water. Manny is an active officer at AICRC in Oakland and served as a coordinator on the Alcatraz Canoe Journey 2019 in honor of 50th Anniversary of Occupied Alcatraz. #chiefboat #Mannpower

Jerome Gross, Wellness: Mind, Body, Spirit, Yoga: Jerome (Tlingit/Filipino/African American) has been in private practice as a Hypnotherapist since 1995 and has been teaching yoga for 20 years and with Intertribal Youth for over 17 years. As Founder / Director of the Effulgence Academy, Jerome teaches this specialized mind-body-wellness routine at fitness centers and holistic health centers as well as to individual clients since 2002. Mr. Gross also taught physical education for two years and developed programs for San Diego City School's Race and Human Relations and Health Integration Program. Students are presented with the tools and strategies to develop positive qualities and highest potential physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Jerome has studied and experienced native traditions, making it relative cultural needs and personal success. The specific tools and strategies taught in the mini lessons will culminate into a routine that Jerome developed for the San Diego Public Schools and in private practice as a spiritual counselor and therapist, called the Process of EFFULGENCE™

Luz Guerrero / Mama Luz - Program Chef California, Organics, and Nativa Como Agua Non-Profit President, Mexico is a Mexican Teacher and Lawyer by profession but in practice she has put her life’s work into knowledge and distribution of Organic Agriculture across California and Mexico. Luz and her husband worked on organizing Indigenous communities around ancestral maize to regain presence within Mexico, rid GMO distributors, and create financial opportunity for a better lifestyle. Luz’s recent endeavors within the NLW programs has been the practice of Food as Medicine. She was brought onto the team in 2021 to cook Native Blue Corn (harvested at the Meseta Purepecha in Michoacán, Mexico) for our yearly SoCal Summer Beach Bonfire, Sailing, and Hawaii training programs. Luz has been developing recipes and ways to nourish our youth, participants, team, and community throughout. Cooking is part of her way to express her love, her motto is “whenever the feeling of Love is present, there is no room for any other emotion.” Luz is also heading up the formal initiative for Native Like Water as a formal bi-national organization registered in Mexico.

Jacinda Townsend Resident Mentor is a Tribal Member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. She is an active Bird Dancer, currently dancing for 2 groups. Hot Water Bird Group (Joseph Saubel) and DC Bird Group (Mike Mirelez) Jacinda has been dancing since she was 8 years old and is proud to carry on her traditions. In 2014 at 13 years old she was honored to be crowned as her tribes Miss Agua Caliente 2014-2015. During her reign she was given the opportunity to attend her first Native Like water program in NorCal. Since then, she has continued to attend NWL programs including this year which will be her 10th year now returning as a mentor for Indigenous youth. Jacinda has learned and trained for water safety through BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group) Jacinda stays connected to her Indigenous identity on her ancestral homelands.

Amon B. Chavez, Water Programs Assistant and Mentor, participating in the program for close to 20 years, since a child, Amon is well versed in water safety, Certified Scuba Diver, Certification with BWRAG Big Wave Risk Assessment Group, in ocean safety and rescue training, first responder training. Most of his life surrounded by water, it is integral to his life. Amon has paddling experience on both the open ocean and in freshwater rivers both in level 3 rapids and small to overhead surf. Amon has lived in over 5 countries and studies martial arts, gaming and storytelling as his favorite past times. Born in Belize, Central America, Amon is of both Xicano-Nahua, Mayan and Afro-Caribbean Descent. Recently Amon is starring in the Native Like Water recent film, Haagua, and Indigenous Surf Film.

Coby Uribe, Student Climbing Mentor, Outfitter San Diego, has been part of the greater NLW family since he was 5 years old with a bowl haircut. Coby Uribe is a first generation student at Cal Poly Pomona, where he is studying to obtain his bachelors degree in Biology. Specifically, he aims to learn more about the species around him, while he's in the natural world surfing and climbing. Coby also loves learning about the human make up from the cellular level, and understanding how good nutrition feeds our cells, giving us the health we need to move through this world. He has 2 years of trained experience with Native Like Water, serving as a youth mentor. In this program, he aims to share his passions in outdoor recreation, by offering a rock climbing introductory course. He hopes to see you accomplishing all of life’s opportunities.

Latifah Safiei, Resident Mentor, is an American of Afro-Native descent and a proud Cherokee Tribal member. She holds a bachelor's degree in Global Health from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Throughout her academic journey, Latifah has consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving health outcomes and promoting wellness in diverse communities. Latifah’s extensive volunteer work includes active involvement with the Flying Samaritans, where she has contributed to medical clinics in underserved areas, providing vital healthcare services and education. Latifah is also a skilled surf instructor and program manager for Black Surf Week at UC San Diego, where she fosters a positive and inclusive environment for new surfers. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion is evident in her role as the Founding President of WiSTEM at Santa Monica College, where she championed the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Latifah is pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Her chief aim is to serve as a practitioner in Indian health, where she hopes to make a significant impact on the well-being of Native American communities.

Kaliko Kahoonei, SupSquatch Facilitator and Coordinator, is a 3rd generation waterman from Hawaii. His uncles and grandfather were some of the early divers, fisherman and surfers of Hawaiis westside. Kaliko specializes in SUP surfing and longboard. Along with that, he is the operator and instructor for crafts such as SUPsquatch a 6 person (or more ) Paddleboard as well as tandem bodyboarding. With NLW, Kaliko is offers cultural educational significance to Indigenous surfing. Restoration of cultural ways and environments adds to Kaliko’s diverse set of skills and experience. He has surfed/ paddled canoe / sup’d all over the country spending most of his times in the waters of Washington, Hawaii and California. In past years, Kaliko served as an Ambassador, Team Rider for C4 Waterman where he spread the C4 core values of balance strength endurance and tradition. He continues to be a great example in the community perpetuating aloha spirit and proficient in all water related activities. Kaliko has competed in contests SUP/SURF etc and for many years worked at Southern California YMCA s coordinating recreation and first responder to any incidents. Kaliko is also certified as a Surf Therapy Facilitator.

Ronley Lewis, Student Resident Mentor hails from Bull Bay, Jamaica, where he grew up surrounded by the ocean. With over a decade of experience as a professional surfer and surf instructor, Ronley is a passionate advocate for the sport. As a proud member of the Jamaican Surf Association, he dedicates his time to sharing his love for surfing with others, helping them connect with the water and discover the joy it brings. Whether teaching newcomers or riding the waves himself, Ronley embodies the spirit of the sea and the vibrant surfing community of Jamaica. Ronley works with the non-profit organization Freedom Skate Park. He plays a vital role in programs like Edu-Skate, which focuses on personal development through skateboarding. This initiative teaches youth essential soft skills such as perseverance, respect, courage, and a supportive attitude, all while offering free classes to promote inclusivity. Ronley helps organize community activities that not only bring people together but also promote a sense of ownership within the skatepark community. Through hands-on projects in carpentry, gardening, and event management, participants gain valuable experience while nurturing a supportive environment. Ronley’s dedication to empowering youth and building community reflects his unwavering commitment to creating lasting positive change for youth.

Dr. Stan Rodriguez , Traditional Tribal Gaming Curriculum and Culture.  Uncle Stan is from the Ipay Kumeyaay Nation of Santa Ysabel Reservation, in San Diego. Stan serves on the SY Tribal Council and has played a crucial role in the cultural revival going on in San Diego and the sharing of Kumeyaay Culture with government and municipalities needing cultural compass. Stan is an instructor of the Kumeyaay language and culture at Kumeyaay Community College and Cuyamaca Community College. A busy man, he fulfills a continual stream of invites to speak at universities, schools and communities across the state of California.

Ramon “Monchis” Gomez, Outfitter, Lifeguard, is known throughout his coastal hometown in Michoacán, Mexico for his impressive skills in hunting, fishing, surfing and lifeguarding. Ramon is of Nahua decent and very grounded person and spiritually inclined; his sustenance coming from the land and sea. His strength and generosity has lead him to become an important part of the Native Like Water team both in Mexico and interning as a student in California. As he explores new skills, he has also created long lasting bond with people from different parts of the world while participating with the NLW organization.

Dina Gilio-Whitaker, Surf Scholar, NLW Advisor, Auntie: Of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Dina is a renown scholar and writer in American Indian Studies, teaching at California State University San Marcos, and is a consultant and educator in environmental justice policy planning. A scholar in the field of critical sports studies, Auntie Dina examines the intersections of indigeneity and the sport of surfing. As a public intellectual, Dina is the author of two books, “All the Real Indians Died Off” and 20 Other Myths About Native Americans, and her most recent As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock. Born and raised in Southern California, Dina is a life-long rider of waves. She first learned how to surf on Oahu’s North Shore where she lived in the early 1980’s and was one of the very few women of the time to regularly surf the famed Pipeline break. She brings her Indigenous identity and knowledge into harmony with surfing to teach about surfing as a place-based phenomenon that always takes place in Indigenous ancestral homelands.

Trisha "Mama T" Gonsalves, Associate Coordinator, Nutritional Wellness and Joy Cultivator. Programs in Hawaii/ San Diego/ Mexico / Jamaica Mama T is a passionate advocate of using sustainable practices to grow food organically and use food as medicine. "Ancient ways in modern days" is her motto. She was brought to Hawaii 20 years ago from San Diego on a singing tour.  She quickly fell in love with the islands, the people, and the Aloha way of life, and feels very blessed to call Hawaii home. She teaches classes throughout the islands and hosted a cooking segment on morning television.  Mama T has a background in early child development and directed inner-city youth programs in San Francisco and San Diego. Her passion is to teach healthy ways to eat and live. Mama advocates that choosing native foods free of pesticides or processed with chemicals is imperative for sustainable health. Her favorite role in life is being a joy cultivator and waterfall enthusiast.

Nikilia Badua, Artist in Residence Summer California 2023, is From the Hawaiian Islands to the Bay Area's inner cities, Nikila is a Cultural Community Artist dedicated to positive systemic change. With three decades experience serving diverse communities as a muralist, graphic designer, performer, and arts educator, she specializes in bringing an urban-indigenous lens to her work. Painting murals from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, California to New York, Nikila strives to expand on solutions to educational reform for young creatives. Currently based in Los Angeles, where she teaches urban arts to system-involved teens, she is also a freelance artist under the alias "MamaWisdom1".  Nikila is a member of Audiopharmacy, Hawaii’s Mana Maoli Music Collective and La Hoihoi Ea, and is a passionate land and water protector for her ancestral homelands of Hawaii and Standing Rock. Additionally, she serves as Vice President Chair for the California Heritage Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP), and as a recipient of the U.S. Grassroots Accelerator for Women Environmental Leaders, she has been developing an initiative she calls "A New Paradigm of Education through Cultural Community Arts and Ecology".

Marcus Lopez, Mentor and California Water Culture is Chumash and Chicano, residing in Santa Barbara, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He is a Captain of the Chumash Tomol's (plank canoes), an educator at Santa Barbara Junior High School, a mentor, an interpreter, a community activist, a singer with the Chumash Intertribal Singers, a dancer with Danza Azteca and a jack of all trades. He has a B.A. in Political Science from UCSB and he is currently working on his Masters of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Social Justice writing about indigenous curriculum. He is involved with Ethnic Studies Now of Santa Barbara with the goal of it being a graduation requirement for all students; and Just Communities of the Central Coast as a board member and facilitator to inspire and motivate youth to be change agents in dismantling oppression.

Olo Villalaz, Mentor, Cultural Lead, Panama, represents the Gunayala Nation and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests. He is Guna Indigenous, fluent in Spanish, Guna Language and speaks english. He holds a degree in Mathematics and Business Administration. For the past 8 years, he worked with different indigenous organizations, adolecents and children of Panama. Olo is currently a board member of the Gunayala Youth Congress. Giuseppe has participated in different conferences and meetings of the United Nations and Indigenous Peoples world-wide. He has worked with InterTribalYouth.org for several years hosting international exchanges and coordinating visits between the Peace and Dignity Journey,  Hokulea World Wide Voyage, and Four Words International. Olo is highly respected by many indigenous leaders and groups in Panama.

Dr. Clifford Kapono, Mentor, Scholar Indigenous Science (Hawaii and San Diego)
With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC San Diego,  Cliff is embodiment of "Native Like Water" in the flesh and soul. Sharing Indigenous Science and bridging university education with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Cliff travels the world to provide equity in the world of science. At UCSD, Cliff studied the health of ocean reef. One of the great accomplishments of Cliff is his mentorship and service with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Hokule'a Traditional Sailing Vessel.  Cliff is a professional surfer, waterman, and artist with a successful practices of sovereignty, cultural ways and filmography. Cliff led the 2015 Inaugural InterTribal Youth's Exchange with Hawaii's Na Kama Kai Program. Please visit some of Cliff's video portraits on our video page.

Caroline Collins, Writing Instructor (MCLW) San Diego: Holding an MFA, Caroline is a third year Communication doctoral student at UC San Diego whose research interrogates the intersectionality of cultural memory, identity, and media especially as they relate to particular notions of ‘citizenship’ and human rights.  She is currently working on her qualifying papers, several educational activism projects, and a research based documentary. Caroline and her team at La Clase Magica has developed a culturally relevant writing curriculum for InterTribal Youth. More here 

Joe Meadows, Panama Afro-Indigneous Partnerships and Initiatives "A Living Heritage” Joe represents a livity of ancient Caribbean-American tradition and practice which gave root to the founding of One Love Panama; a company that reflects respect to the land, its creatures and people. Humble by nature, Joe hails his Jamaican-Panamanian and African-Native American ancestry as a force in his life’s path. Joe’s maternal great-grandmother arrived in Panama from Jamaica via Limon, Costa Rica and Bocas del Toro, as a contributing founder to the first Afro-Caribbean communities of faith in respected areas along Central America’s Caribbean Coast.  These towns are famed for unprecedented up-liftment of Afro-Caribbean peoples along the trail of Marcus Garvey. Joe continues in tradition, currently directing cultural projects in Cacique, Colon on the Caribbean
Coast and Organic Farms on the Pacific Islands of Panama. 

Naiʻa Lewis, Multi-Disciplinary Arts Application, Hawaii: a professional who blends contemporary expressionism with indigenous identity and belief systems to help communities, organizations, and government agencies grow their capacity for creativity, collaboration, and healing. From facilitation and communications to solo and collaborative group art, she seeks to engage, empower, and express the voices of vulnerable, marginalized, and disenfranchised groups, particularly those of women, indigenous groups, and minorities. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Naiʻa earned her journalism degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and is the founder of Salted Logic. Nai’a first shared her knowledge and collaborative mosaics with Native Like Water in 2015. Since her lessons have been incorporated during our mainland programs.

Larry "Moto" Banegas, Native Like Water "Honored Elder" (Passed August 2018, In loving Memory)
Papa Moto is the President and founder of Kumeyaay.com. He served as a member of the Tribal Council for the Barona Band of the Kumeyaay for many years. Larry is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with BA in Speech and Communication. He also has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. He was raised on the Barona reservation and teaches Kumeyaay culture and tradition to the community. He has taught California Indian history and traditional knowledge at D.Q. University at Sycuan and presently sits on the AIR Programs Board. Moto joined ITY's inaugural "Native Like Water" California-Hawaii Delegation in 2015. Moto is committed to guiding the youth back to the ocean. Moto will also take part in ITY's traveling multi-media art exhibit: "Native Like Water" in 2016. All appreciate his guidance, vision, musical gifts and song.