Yadira Caballero

Yadira Caballero, Diné and Mexican, is from the Grand Canyon community (Bidáá’ Ha’azt’i’ Tsékooh). She is born into the Lók’aa’ Dine’é (Reed People Clan), born for the Naakaii (Mexican). Her maternal grandfather’s clan is Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni Edge Water Clan), and her paternal grandfather is Naakaii (Mexican).

Yadira brings extensive experience in program administration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement to her role where she advances inclusive knowledge-making grounded in K’é (kinship). Prior to joining Confluencenter in 2018, Yadira worked with the Office of Academic Affairs’ Faculty Governance and the Udall Center’s Native Nations Institute. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Native American Foundation (SWNAF), which provides scholarship opportunities for emerging Native American leaders pursuing higher education. Yadira holds an Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Economics & Management from the University of Arizona and Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law from the University of Tulsa. Balancing and living in two worlds can be complex, but holding on to traditional values and ways of life remains instrumental for Yadira.