Azella (Zell) Humetewa, is a proud member of the Santo Domingo/Acoma tribes in New Mexico. She holds the position of Senior Director of School Sustainability at the NACA Inspired Schools Network. In this influential role, she oversees NISN’s Indigenous Educator Corp, Teacher Mentorship program and Facilities/Operations programming. Along with her team, she provides invaluable support and resources to school leaders and staff in the areas of capacity building and continuous improvement.

Zell holds an MBA in Education Leadership from the University of New Mexico, where she was recognized as a Woodrow Wilson fellow. Over her impressive eighteen-year career in charter schools, she has played a critical role in developing and implementing a culturally relevant curriculum within a student-centered setting. As a licensed administrator, she is dedicated to promoting academic achievement and advocating for social and emotional well-being through the framework of Indigenous Education.

Another honor of her career has been as a Curriculum Writer and Development Team member of New Mexico’s Indigenous Wisdom Project. Through this visionary work, Zell continues to create opportunities for others to learn about the contributions of New Mexico’s Pueblo people through a positive lens. Her diverse and various roles continue to fuel her passion to motivate and celebrate the next generation of school leaders and life-long learners.