Edith Renee Starr, San Carlos Apache Nation
Edith hails from the San Carlos Apache Reservation. She is the eighteen year old daughter of Alvin Sr. and Carol Cooley.
Edith is a 2011 graduate of the San Carlos High School. She enjoys beading, promoting cultural diversity and is an advocate against violence in her school.
If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Edith will use the opportunity to shed light on the very serious and sensitive issue of HIV/AIDS in our Native Communities. She says, “I know that many people still have a negative view of people with HIV/AIDS. I am always willing to put myself out there to lend a hand to people with this deadly virus.”
Erin Stephanie Manuel, Tohono O'odham Nation
Erin is representing the Tohono O’odham Nation. She is the 18 year old daughter or Edwin and Nadine M. Williams.
Her educational goal is to attend Central Arizona College to receive her Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
Erin’s enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning more about my culture and customs of her tribe, sewing, baking and reading. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona her platform will be "preserving our culture, leading the future generations."
Jaymee Li Moore, Colorado River Indian Tribes
Jaymee is a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. She is the twenty year old daughter of Johnthan Moore and Lynnette Stevens. Jaymee attends Northern Arizona University. She is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Applied Indigenous Studies with an emphasis in Policy Administration.
Some of Jaymee’s interests are kayaking, hiking, travel and to further her understanding of music composition.
Jaymee would promote Youth Leadership through Higher Education if selected Miss Indian Arizona. She states, “Higher education is not for a select group of people. Everyone is equipped to obtain a degree whether it is from a vocational or trade school, community college or four year university.”
Jenna LeShan Lamson, Hopi Tribe
Jenna is representing the Hopi Tribe in this year’s program. She is the twenty year old daughter of the Late Shannon E. Lamson and Jolene Johns.
Jenna’s interests include basketball, softball and dancing both traditional and country/western. Her goal is to someday teach our youth about how important our culture is to us as well as our language.
If selected Miss Indian Arizona, Jenna’s platform would be promoting our Native history, to learn about our own traditions, culture and most of all our languages.
LeTisha Lynn Ashley - Navajo Nation
LeTisha Lynn Ashley is representing the Navajo Nation. She is the twenty four year old daughter of Timothy Ashley Sr. and Vivian M. Moore. She attends Fort Lewis College and is majoring in General Biology.
LeTisha enjoys volleyball and softball. She loves visiting museums and historical places which allows her to learn more about the country we live in.
If chosen as Miss Indian Arizona, LeTisha will promote nutrition awareness. LeTisha says, “I desire to help our youth make healthy food choices so they may carry those habits into future generations.”
Martha Ludlow Martinez, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Martha is from the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. She is the twenty year old daughter of Timoteo and Kathy Martinez.
Martha is a student at Scottsdale Community College where her area of study is in Pharmacy.
Much of Martha’s interests involve music and cultural history. Her platform if selected Miss Indian Arizona will concentrate on Cultural Identity of the First Nations People. Martha states, “We have to balance the past and the present so we can strive for a better tomorrow for ourselves and all those around us.”
Learn more about the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Tia M. Benally, Gila River Indian Community
Tia is from the Gila River Indian Community. She is the twenty year old daughter of Douglas Benally and Debra Lewis.
Tia’s interests include writing, dancing, singing/acting and making jewelry.
Tia would promote Youth Empowerment if selected Miss Indian Arizona. She states, “I have a voice and so does every young American Indian.”
Adina R. Hunter is from the Hualapai Tribe. She is the twenty one year old daughter of Amanda Hunter.
Adina is attending Mohave Community College. Her area of study is in Law. Her wish is to move pursuing her PhD in Criminal Justice and Indian Law at a top university.
Adina enjoys writing poems, beading and volunteering at Community Events. If selected Miss Indian Arizona Adina’s platform would be on Inter Tribal Youth Development.