Winoka Yepa

Winoka Yepa (she/her/asdzaan), a Diné Nation member from Shiprock, New Mexico, is a leader in Indigenous research, education, and philanthropy. As the Director of Research and Education at Native Americans in Philanthropy, she advances equity and accountability for Native communities. She designed the Indigenous Centered project, which examines relationships between community foundations and Native Americans, and created the Indigenizing Philanthropy discussion card deck to inspire dialogue on integrating Indigenous perspectives into philanthropy.

Yepa has extensive experience in arts and culture. She serves as a City of Santa Fe Arts Commissioner, appointed with unanimous support from the Mayor and City Council. She is also an advisory board member for Imagining America, a humanities advisor for gallupARTS, and an education and community programming advisor for Tse'Nato'.

Currently pursuing a doctorate in education at the University of New Mexico, Yepa's dissertation, The Reflection Project: A Study on Indigenous Identity and Storywork, explores Indigenous identity and storytelling through decolonial methodologies. Her academic work aligns with her broader mission of advancing Indigenous education and decolonial practices.

Through philanthropy, research, and the arts, Yepa is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between Native communities and institutions while amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives.