Debbie has long been recognized for her tireless dedication to urban and rural Native youth throughout Arizona. It is this tireless effort and love for all areas of her community that drives her work. Many agree that Debbie is ‘courageous people’, quite comfortable connecting with people, and smart about how to get things done. She is a person of deep principles with broad community experiences and deeply rooted traditional wisdom, and strong communication style. Debbie is known to stand up clearly and bravely to advocate for those voices that are often overlooked or ignored. Through her spirit, she brings laughter, analysis and fellowship to her work. Yes, she is a young lady making her way and shattering glass ceilings.
Who do I work with?
Entities like nonprofits, libraries, educational institutions, governmental and tribal nations who are interested in increasing their understanding or engaging within the humanities-based programs. What does Debbie enjoy best? Generating solutions for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Political Activism
Debbie Nez-Manuel is a longtime community leader and activist. Ms. Nez-Manuel is a profoundly impactful advocate for people of color in urban, rural, and remote communities around Arizona. She has extensive experience and expertise in mobilizing citizens into deep and meaningful community engagement. Ms. Nez-Manuel grew up on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona and has lived in the Phoenix metro area for three decades. She has had a successful career with Casey Family Programs in their partnership with Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Ms. Nez-Manuel has a comprehensive and exceptional understanding of the complexities surrounding the victimization of Native American women and girls. She was instrumental to the unanimous passage in the Arizona Senate and House of HB 2570, monumental legislation establishing a 21-member Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The bill was the first of its kind in the nation, and other states are following suit. The election of Ms. Nez-Manuel in the Democratic party in January 2020 was a historic milestone for the Arizona Democratic Party as she became its first Indigenous National Committee Person.
Who am I?
Debbie is Tséníjíkiní – a Navajo clan also known as the Cliff Dweller People. She is born for the Tsénahabiłnii, Sleepy Rock People. Her maternal grandchild of the Tsi’naajinii, Black Streaked Forest People and the paternal granddaughter to the Tábąąhí, Waters Edge People. Debbie Nez-Manuel originates from the Navajo Nation and grew up in Klagetoh Arizona. Today Debbie resides with her husband and children in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.