Elyssa Russell
Student Intern, Indigenous Resilience Center
Yá’át’ééh! Elyssa Russell is a member of the Navajo Nation from Church Rock, New Mexico. She is Meadow People Clan, born for Yucca Fruit Strung Out in a Line Clan. Her maternal grandfather’s are the Mexican People Clan, and her paternal grandfather’s are the Red Bottom People Clan. Elyssa is a senior at the University of Arizona studying Business Economics through the Eller College of Management. Her academic and professional interests center on creating economic opportunities that support Indigenous communities and contribute to long-term community development and growth.
Elyssa serves as Vice President of the University of Arizona’s chapter of American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) and as the 2nd Attendant for Miss Native University of Arizona for the 2026 academic year. Through her work with the Indigenous Resilience Center, she hopes to deepen her understanding of Indigenous resilience, tribal sovereignty, and community-centered work while contributing her leadership, organizational, and business skills.