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We are honored to introduce our incredible panel of judges for the 41st Annual NAC Parade! Read our esteemed judges' biographies here!
Jason Coochwytewa (Isleta Pueblo/Hopi)
As CEO of Urias Communications, Jason Coochwytewa is a respected community leader recognized for his commitment to Indigenous advocacy, education, conservation, and entrepreneurship. His leadership and vision have earned recognition across Arizona and beyond. Jason currently serves as Board President of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona, a Member of Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ Business Advisory Council, and holds key board positions as Chair of the Indigenous Stewardship Committee with the Western National Parks and committee Co-Chair of the upcoming Indigenous Exhibit at the Arizona Science Center.
Jon Canyon
As Principal of Canyon Connections and President of Native Health Advisors, Jon cultivates and expands relationships between companies and organizations within tribal communities. Working across tribal economic development, healthcare, and non-profit sectors gives him a unique perspective on the Arizona tribal landscape. He leverages this expertise to pursue innovative solutions that create sustainable benefits for tribal communities.
Waylon Pahona (Hopi/Tewa/Maricopa Piipaash)
Waylon is the founder of Healthy Active Natives, a powerful grassroots movement that has inspired thousands of Indigenous people worldwide to embrace wellness and positive community change. His dedication to physical and mental health has made him a role model for Native youth and families.
Tonana Ben (Diné)
Tonana is the former Miss Indian Arizona 1st Attendant (2024) and a proud advocate for Indigenous representation in STEM. Currently a student at Arizona State University majoring in Biological Science with a focus in Biomedical Studies, she is a role model for Native youth pursuing higher education and leadership in science.
Jason Chavez (O’odham)
Jason Chavez is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from the San Miguel Village in the Chukut Kuk District. Jason was appointed as Director of Tribal Affairs by Governor Katie Hobbs in January 2023 and asked to revitalize the Office on Tribal Relations to work with Tribal communities across Arizona, the governor’s other policy advisors, and state and federal agencies. Prior to joining the Hobbs Administration, Jason served as the election outreach manager in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office where he worked to ensure that Tribal members had opportunities to register and vote in state and local elections. Jason holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Political Science from Virginia Tech. In 2025, Jason was appointed to the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument Advisory Committee by United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
Risi Pena
My name is Risi Pena, and I am a junior in high school, graduating in the class of 2027. I am a deaf cochlear implant user and currently a freshman at Rio Salado College. I serve on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Youth Advisory Council, where I advocate for public health issues and develop plans to improve our community. In the future, I have decided to pursue a career in neurosurgery. Additionally, I am passionate about raising awareness for education and advocating for young students through my role on the Arizona Board of Education Student Advisory Panel. I am dedicated to supporting and uplifting my community.
Jennifer Longdon
Jennifer is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers and a former Arizona Legislator. A fierce advocate for equity, healthcare, and disability rights, Jennifer has dedicated her life to ensuring communities have a stronger voice in policy and public health.
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A "chronically homeless" individual is defined to mean a homeless individual with a disability who lives either in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter or in an institutional care facility if the individual has been living in the facility for fewer than ninety (90) days and had been living in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven or in an emergency shelter immediately before entering the institutional care facility. In order to meet the ‘‘chronically homeless’’ definition, the individual also must have been living as described above continuously for at least twelve (12) months or on at least four (4) separate occasions in the last three (3) years, where the combined occasions total a length of time of at least twelve (12) months. Each period separating the occasions must include at least seven (7) nights of living in a situation other than a place not meant for human habitation, in an emergency shelter or in a safe haven.
Federal nondiscrimination laws define a person with a disability to include any (1) individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) individual with a record of such impairment; or (3) individual who is regarded as having such an impairment. In general, a physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, examples of conditions such as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), developmental disabilities, mental illness, drug addiction, and alcoholism.