About
Message from the President/CEO
Welcome! Native American Connections is pleased that you have taken the time to learn more about us. We are a place where lives are changed, families strengthened, and healthy communities are built.
Since our inception in 1972, Native American Connections has worked toward long term sustainability by leveraging our resources for the promotion and development of services that meet the critical needs of the Native American community in Phoenix and Tribes throughout the Southwest.
Our organizational philosophy and services are grounded in Native American cultural and spiritual values, with a deep sense of purpose. We serve a variety of individuals and families in a wide-range of services - from homeless men or women seeking recovery in hopes of becoming clean and sober and reuniting with their children and families - to working families looking for affordable housing or pursuing the path to homeownership.
Native American Connections has a dedicated Board of Directors who volunteer their time to keep our Mission, Vision and Values on course; a hardworking team of skilled and professional staff who dedicate themselves to transforming the lives of those we directly serve; and passionate alumni, volunteers and donors who want to give back to their community.
We invite you to join Native American Connections in making a real difference in the lives of Native people by sharing your gifts and talents with us. This website will help keep you informed of all our services, program activities, and community events. We count on you for support and thank you for visiting us.
Sincerely,
Diana Yazzie-Devine
President/CEO
Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine has been working with Native American urban and tribal entities since 1972 and has been employed as the CEO of Native American Connections (NAC) since 1979 – for over 40 years. NAC is a 501 (c) 3 Native American operated nonprofit corporation that provides comprehensive behavioral health & integrated medical services, affordable housing, and community based economic development opportunities. With Native Americans as a priority population, NAC offers innovative research-based health services integrated with Native cultural and traditional healing practices. In addition, NAC developed, owns and operates over 1,000 units of affordable housing for working families and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals along the light-rail in Central Phoenix. NAC is also a leader in multi-family housing LEED platinum certified building. In 2017 NAC, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Indian Center, renovated and reopened the Phoenix Indian School “Visitor Center” in order to tell the 99-year story and history of the school (1891-1990).
Ms. Devine has an MBA from Arizona State University and was inducted into the ASU WP Carey School of Business Hall of Fame (2012). And, Ms. Devine is a State licensed substance use counselor. In addition, she dedicates her time to local, state and national boards/committees including: Board member Native Home Capital; Maricopa Association of Governments HUD Continuum of Care; Maricopa Integrated Health System Audit and Compliance; City of Mesa Housing; Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corp PCDIC; Arizona State University Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation; Federal Home Loan Bank - Affordable Housing Advisory Board; (Past) St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center; St. Mary’s High School Board President; and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Mentor for Developing Leadership.
Ms. Devine’s dedication and leadership have been recognized within the community with the following honors: Valley Leadership’s Woman of the Year (2003); YWCA’s Business Leader Award (2008); Arizona’s Centennial Legacy Project – Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women (2012); Phoenix Business Journal’s 25 Most Admired CEOs (2012); Phoenix Community Alliance Center City Starr Award (2015); Arizona Interfaith Movement Golden Rule Award (2016); and in May 2017 presented the Convocation speech for Arizona State University College of Public Service and Community Solutions. In June 2019, Devine celebrated her 40 years of service with Native American Connections.