Executive Director | Diné
yolanda@restoringawcoalition.org
Yolanda Francisco-Nez is from the Navajo/Dine’ tribe. Her clan is Edgewater (Tabaaha) born for the Basque People. She was born and raised in Tsehootsoi (Fort Defiance), Arizona. Yolanda is the granddaughter of a Navajo Code Talker Vincent Yazza. Ms. Francisco-Nez is the Executive D
Executive Director | Diné
yolanda@restoringawcoalition.org
Yolanda Francisco-Nez is from the Navajo/Dine’ tribe. Her clan is Edgewater (Tabaaha) born for the Basque People. She was born and raised in Tsehootsoi (Fort Defiance), Arizona. Yolanda is the granddaughter of a Navajo Code Talker Vincent Yazza. Ms. Francisco-Nez is the Executive Director of Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. Yolanda is a strong advocate of the Native people especially women and children. She uses her expertise to help inform policy. She served four years as board chair of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA). In 2017, under the leadership of Navajo Nation Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, she helped establish a Navajo Nation Council Sexual Assault Prevention Work Group to address child abduction, sexual violence and human trafficking. In this role she facilitated a policy brief on child abduction and sexual assault, a chapter resolution to install the Amber Alert on the Navajo Nation, and hosts community dialogues on sexual assault throughout the Navajo Nation. In 2018, she received special recognition for her achievements from the Navajo Nation Council.
She has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She is trained in Anti-discrimination Response Training from the University of British Columbia and received advocacy training from UCASA and Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC).
For 17 years, Francisco-Nez served three mayors at the executive level of Salt Lake City government. Among the highlights of her career is the opportunity to address the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland about her award-winning program the Human Rights Education Project. She has co-authored reports on discrimination, women’s rights and excessive use of force. Among other achievements, “The Status of Women in Salt Lake City” was published and used to help guide a resolution to establish a Commission to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Law Enforcement Excessive Use of Force.
Ms. Francisco-Nez played a significant role in being the first city in Utah to pass legislation to protect the LGBTQI2S from employment discrimination which led to a statewide law. Prior to working city government, she was the president of the Native American Celebration in the Park and vice president and founding partner at Cal Nez Design advertising agency. In 2017, Francisco-Nez was named top 30 Women to Watch in Utah by the Utah Business Magazine.
Financial Manager l Diné
leeta@restoringawcoalition.org
Leeta Baker is from Navajo/Diné tribe in Arizona. Her Clans are Cliff Dweller Clan (Tsé njikini) born for the Rock Gap (Tsé deeshgiizhnii). She was raised in Leupp, Arizona.
Leeta has years of experience in non-profit customer service. She also has experience in data entry, and bookkeeping skills in accounts payable.
Operations Manager l Diné
dakotah@restoringawcoalition.org
Dakotah Bitney is from the Navajo/Diné tribe in Arizona.
With over three years of dedicated service in management, Dakotah has demonstrating a commitment to excellence and adaptability by enhancing and ensuring client satisfaction by expanding staff, secure and smooth operations, an
Operations Manager l Diné
dakotah@restoringawcoalition.org
Dakotah Bitney is from the Navajo/Diné tribe in Arizona.
With over three years of dedicated service in management, Dakotah has demonstrating a commitment to excellence and adaptability by enhancing and ensuring client satisfaction by expanding staff, secure and smooth operations, and cohesiveness. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in creating and implementing policies, post orders, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), all designed to optimize safety and streamlined efficiency.
Dakotah also emphasize personal development and growth within the teams she cultivates, believing that a well-supported team is key to long-term success within any organization.
Grant Manager
Vard McGuire is a seasoned social work professional with over two decades of experience spanning grant management, mental health services, housing advocacy, and violence prevention. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah and certifications in both clinical and advocacy roles, Var
Grant Manager
Vard McGuire is a seasoned social work professional with over two decades of experience spanning grant management, mental health services, housing advocacy, and violence prevention. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah and certifications in both clinical and advocacy roles, Vard has dedicated his career to advancing social justice and equity—particularly in the areas of housing, sexual assault and domestic violence, and disability rights.
Vard has extensive experience managing and ensuring compliance for federal grants, particularly those from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). At a Utah nonprofit, he oversaw multi-year HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grants totaling more than $2.5 million, designed to promote housing access and combat discrimination. His leadership in this area included drafting comprehensive grant reports, program development and implementation, and presenting at local and national conferences on housing rights and enforcement. Vard also has experience from the grantor perspective, having worked for the State of Utah (UServeUtah) as an AmeriCorps Program Specialist. In this role he managed a portfolio of grants for compliance, conducted onsite monitoring visits, and assisted with the grant application process for State grants.
A recognized educator and trainer, Vard has delivered recurring sessions for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, the Rape Recovery Center, and the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, focusing on the intersection of disability with sexual and domestic violence. He has trained hundreds of professionals statewide on how to better serve survivors with disabilities and presented on these topics at both state and national conferences. Vard is also a certified sexual assault counselor/advocate and has contributed to 40-hour rape crisis training programs in Utah.
Throughout his career, Vard has maintained a strong connection to education and mentorship, serving as adjunct faculty at Salt Lake Community College, guest lecturing at multiple universities, and supervising social work students during practicums.
Vard’s expertise lies at the intersection of trauma, advocacy, and systems change, and his work continues to bridge the gap between policy and practice to ensure safety, equity, and justice for all communities
Office Assistant/ Bookkeeper
ashlyn@restoringawcoalition.org
Ashlyn Owens is from Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington.
She believes deeply in advocacy, empathy, and supporting the communities around her and she is excited to bring energy, dedication, and heart to the important wor
Office Assistant/ Bookkeeper
ashlyn@restoringawcoalition.org
Ashlyn Owens is from Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington.
She believes deeply in advocacy, empathy, and supporting the communities around her and she is excited to bring energy, dedication, and heart to the important work of Restoring Ancestral Winds. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a double emphasis on Global Women's Studies and Scandinavian Studies.
Helpline Coordinator
adrian@restoringawcoalition.org
Adrian is a fierce victim advocate with nearly five years of experience in social services. Adrian has built a career focused on empowering survivors and ensuring that they receive the individualized support they need to rebuild their lives free from violence. With a deep passion for soci
Helpline Coordinator
adrian@restoringawcoalition.org
Adrian is a fierce victim advocate with nearly five years of experience in social services. Adrian has built a career focused on empowering survivors and ensuring that they receive the individualized support they need to rebuild their lives free from violence. With a deep passion for social justice, gender equality, and psychology, Adrian approaches their work through an intersectional feminist lens. Adrian is especially passionate about advocating for the unique needs of disabled, undocumented, and LGBTQ survivors of violence. Adrian is committed to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental, and culturally competent support to helpline callers and works hard to make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and their families.
Community Training & Education Specialist l Northern Arapaho
nicoletta@restoringawcoalition.org
Nicoletta Brown is a proud member of the Northern Arapaho tribe from the Wind River Reservation in Central Wyoming.
As a trailblazer and first-generation college student, Nicoletta earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Ce
Community Training & Education Specialist l Northern Arapaho
nicoletta@restoringawcoalition.org
Nicoletta Brown is a proud member of the Northern Arapaho tribe from the Wind River Reservation in Central Wyoming.
As a trailblazer and first-generation college student, Nicoletta earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Central Wyoming College. Building on this foundation, Nicoletta earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminology from Utah Tech University. Her commitment to excellence led her to achieve a Masters of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma in May of 2023.
With a passion for advocacy, Nicoletta is deeply dedicated to supporting Native American and Tribal communities. She utilizes her extensive education to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the community and embodies a commitment to positive change.
Domestic Violence Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist
audrey@restoringawcoalition.org
Casuse is Navajo from Southern Utah. Her mother is from Page, AZ and father is from Gallup, NM.
Casuse is a relentless source of assistance, having cultivated a robust foundation of purpose through a diverse range of life experiences. Its unique compositio
Domestic Violence Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist
audrey@restoringawcoalition.org
Casuse is Navajo from Southern Utah. Her mother is from Page, AZ and father is from Gallup, NM.
Casuse is a relentless source of assistance, having cultivated a robust foundation of purpose through a diverse range of life experiences. Its unique composition can be categorized into the following components: 1 part neurodivergent, 1 part survivor, 2 parts analytical, and 3 parts cultural integrity.
Ms. Casuse possesses a strong background in computer technology from Utah Valley University. She also has extensive experience in SQL database infrastructure and engineering from Rizepoint. Additionally, she has gained valuable experience in strategic tribal outreach with Sacred Circle Healthcare marketing. Furthermore, she is well-versed in emerging market trends. Ms. Casuse is dedicated to data analytics, strategic outreach, and cultural development. She believes her skills will help RAWI make a tangible difference in ending violence in our communities.
Education Prevention Program Coordinator
winter@restoringawcoalition.org
Winter Rex (Isto’yii a’kii) is a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy in modern Montana and Alberta.
Winter has various experiences working within Children and Family Services and different education systems from kindergarten
Education Prevention Program Coordinator
winter@restoringawcoalition.org
Winter Rex (Isto’yii a’kii) is a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy in modern Montana and Alberta.
Winter has various experiences working within Children and Family Services and different education systems from kindergarten to community college. As a powwow mom Winter encourages people to celebrate their culture. Winter is a first-generation college graduate, getting her degree in Communication and Native American Studies. Since relocating to Utah Winter has helped with various Native cultural events, including the 2 Spirit Powwow and Native American Heritage Month events.
Sexual Assault Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist
Tracie@restoringawcoalition.org
Tracie Yellowman Tso, she represents the Bitahnii clan and her father's Tlaash chi'i' clan and is a Diné Navajo woman, she is from Diwoozhi Bikoh, Utah, and serves as the Sexual Assault Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist at Restoring Ancestral Winds Inc. She
Sexual Assault Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist
Tracie@restoringawcoalition.org
Tracie Yellowman Tso, she represents the Bitahnii clan and her father's Tlaash chi'i' clan and is a Diné Navajo woman, she is from Diwoozhi Bikoh, Utah, and serves as the Sexual Assault Tribal Advocacy Outreach Specialist at Restoring Ancestral Winds Inc. She brings a strong commitment to serving Indigenous communities through culturally rooted advocacy, outreach, and education. Tracie recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Health and Kinesiology, emphasizing Health Education and Promotion. She will begin graduate studies this fall at the University of Utah, pursuing a Master of Public Health.
In addition to her work in advocacy, president of the Native American Church of Ashiihbiito a native nonprofit organization, and an active community volunteer supporting Native families and youth. She is also a proud wife and mother of three. Most recently she became the first Native American student commencement speaker at the University of Utah and was recognized by the Navajo Nation as potentially the first Diné to give a commencement address at a major university.
Board President l Diné
Kim comes from the Tsé Daa' Kaan community in New Mexico, where she is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is a mother, auntie, grandma, and daughter.
Kim has a background in education and positive youth development, but has found centering work in the sexual and domestic violence movements important to her as a Diné
Board President l Diné
Kim comes from the Tsé Daa' Kaan community in New Mexico, where she is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is a mother, auntie, grandma, and daughter.
Kim has a background in education and positive youth development, but has found centering work in the sexual and domestic violence movements important to her as a Diné women.
Kim is currently the Director of Tribal Sexual Assault Services with the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and Researcher. Her work focuses on increasing and improving sexual assault services in tribal communities.
Kim’s academic background includes holding a Master of Public Administration with a tribal governance concentration from The Evergreen State College and a Bachelor’s of University Studies with concentrations in Education and Native Studies
Board Member l Treasurer
Ralph Dellapiana graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1994 and has worked at the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association ever since defending the constitutional rights of indigent clients and working with his social services department to help those clients get their lives back on track. Prior to th
Board Member l Treasurer
Ralph Dellapiana graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1994 and has worked at the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association ever since defending the constitutional rights of indigent clients and working with his social services department to help those clients get their lives back on track. Prior to that he earned an M.B.A. degree from Brigham Young University and worked in business management for several years.
Now, Ralph hopes to find ways to serve his brothers and sisters in the community as a member of the board of Restoring Ancestral Winds.
Board Secretary l Chickasaw
Citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma; citizenship descendant to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
J. Dena Ned is an Associate Professor/Lecturer at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Her research has focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act, Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, urba
Board Secretary l Chickasaw
Citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma; citizenship descendant to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
J. Dena Ned is an Associate Professor/Lecturer at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Her research has focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act, Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, urban American-Indian health policies and delivery of care systems, as well as social determinants of health in native communities. After earning her Masters of Social Welfare (MSW) from the University of California, Berkeley, she worked with California’s Division of Children and Family Services before going on to direct a Title V-funded urban Indian health center in Salt Lake City. Her direct practice experience motivated her to explore issues of social justice, health, and policy from the perspective of urban Indians.
Board Member l Hopi & Chemehuevi
Carl Moore is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
He is Hopi on his father's side from Third Mesa and Chemehuevi on his Mother's side from Chemehuevi Valley along the Colorado River.
He is a co-founder and the former Chairperson of Indigenous led PANDOS (Peaceful Advocates for Native Dialogue and
Board Member l Hopi & Chemehuevi
Carl Moore is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
He is Hopi on his father's side from Third Mesa and Chemehuevi on his Mother's side from Chemehuevi Valley along the Colorado River.
He is a co-founder and the former Chairperson of Indigenous led PANDOS (Peaceful Advocates for Native Dialogue and Organizing Support) who advocates for Native sovereignty, both political and sacred along with our marginalized relatives who are oppressed.
He is a co-founder and the former Chairperson of SLC Air Protectors an Indigenous led non-profit who focuses on Native stewardship of our shared environment in Utah.
He is the current Chairperson of Unsheltered Utah an organization that advocates for respectful emotional and physical care of our unsheltered relatives.
He also is a co-founder of OUR's ( Our Unsheltered Relative's) a group of people who cook and care for our unsheltered relatives where they live.
His mission is to open the eyes of others to their unique privileges and responsibilities to every being on Earth by using Indigenous sovereignty over location as the rule of moral authority.
Klinger & Associates
Accountant
2018-Current
Utah Income Tax Planning Services Since 1976
In 1976, Larry Klingler opened a successful bookkeeping and tax firm with the idea of helping small and medium-size businesses prepare their financial statements and tax returns. His goal was to give them a proficient service as if they had a full-time a
Klinger & Associates
Accountant
2018-Current
Utah Income Tax Planning Services Since 1976
In 1976, Larry Klingler opened a successful bookkeeping and tax firm with the idea of helping small and medium-size businesses prepare their financial statements and tax returns. His goal was to give them a proficient service as if they had a full-time accountant on their staff. And he planned to do it for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an accountant.
“Over 30 years later we pride ourselves on keeping abreast of the constant changes in tax laws and regulations with a continued commitment to personalized service.”
Our firm specializes in small business and corporate tax, working with business owners to compile and understand how to use their company’s financial and accounting data to maximize profits and minimize tax burden. We also prepare hundreds of personal tax returns each year, ranging from the very simple to the complex. In addition, we offer a complete payroll preparation package to simplify your employment burden and keep you compliant. All for a fee comparatively lower than the rates charged at other Utah CPA Firms.
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