Melissa Powless Chacon
Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Turtle Clan
Hometown: Cahuilla Reservation
Doctoral Student (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership;
Department of Education Studies
What is some of the best advice you've ever been given as a Native student?
Three different pieces of advice come to mind: "We must trust our own thinking; trust where we are going; and get the job done." - Wilma Mankiller. Secondly, give back to your community what you have learned. Lastly, build a community of support while in school, get involved in something that interests you and get connected to other Native students so you can feel like you belong.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read Indigenous authors and poetry, listen to all kinds of music, and watch sci-fi movies and documentaries. I just started beading again so I am looking forward to making new beadwork. As a mother, I like to be with my family, cooking and eating great food, and laughing and telling stories; also traveling, going to powwows and peon games, when possible.
How do you want to use your UCSD degree after graduation?
After graduation, I want to publish writing and develop a curriculum training program to support global Indigenous and Native American women/girls with leadership development. To be able to engage with Indigenous women/girls during such critical times in our lives as Indigenous people will be an honor and part of my goal to give back with cultural solutions for the next seven generations. I am grateful and also excited to be able to finish Indigenous research through UCSD and share this new knowledge and wisdom with Indigenous women/girls, communities and organizations within Indian Country, and globally.
