ABOUT ANGEL

(Laguna/Zuni/Diné)

Throughout my career, I've dedicated myself to advocating for the safety of women and children. As the former Executive Director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, I worked to amplify the voices of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and pushed for policy reforms to combat violence against women. My efforts and those of countless other advocates, both at the state and federal levels, have contributed to tangible, long-lasting change that makes our communities safer. Today, I am the Executive Director of Illuminative, a national organization that works to uplift the voices and representation of Native people throughout the country.

I grew up in a home steeped in generational history in the village of Old Laguna, and I am deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of our communities. I've carried the values instilled in me by my mother, who is from Pueblo Pintado on the Navajo Nation.

As a mother and a staunch advocate for rural and Native communities, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by working families in our community.

My community involvement includes serving on the New Mexico State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force and as Secretary for the Laguna Federation of Democratic Women.

Additionally, I contribute my expertise as a Board Member for the Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

I reside in the Pueblo of Acoma with my husband, Keegan King, and together we are proud parents of three children. In my community, I remain driven by a passion to improve the lives of working people.

Work Experience

  • Executive Director, IllumiNative, 2024- current

  • Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, 2019 - 2024

  • Membership Director,  Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women,  2017- 2019

Community Involvement

  • Appointee, New Mexico State, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force, 2019

  • Secretary, Laguna Federation of Democratic Women, 2023-current

  • Board Member, Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence, 2019-2023

  • Appointee, City of Albuquerque,  Albuquerque Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission, 2022-2023

  • Board Member, Albuquerque Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Collaborative, 2022-current

  • Board Chair, Native American Professional Parent Resources, Inc., 2020-2023

Awards

  • Recognized by the New Mexico Senate for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Advocacy work, 2022

Education

  • Associates Degree, Liberal Arts, University of Hawaii, 2012

  • Graduate, Laguna High School, 2002