Chantell is from the Pueblo of Acoma and has resided in Albuquerque, NM since 2010. As a Pueblo person, she was brought up with the understanding that she inherits a deep connection and responsibility to steward the land. She is passionate about working to conserve and preserve the state’s wildlife, waterways, and historic and sacred sites.
Chantell is a graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Community and Regional Planning focusing on Natural Resources and Environmental Planning. Prior to her graduate studies, she received a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Mexico in Geography and an Associate of Applied Science in Natural Resources Management from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. Professionally, Chantell has worked in federal employment as a Cartographer and Wildland Firefighter and has experience in the nonprofit sector working as NMLC’s Stewardship intern. In her free time, Chantell dives into the true crime world and enjoys hiking, camping, and game nights with her family.