Michelle J. Singer (Navajo), Communications Coordinator

Education:

(1995) Bachelor of Science in General Science with emphasis in Pre-Medicine and Minor in Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon
(1994) Special Education, Guidance and Counseling Certification Training, Chemawa Indian School

Experience and Interests:

Michelle J. Singer, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, currently serves as the Communications Coordinator for the One Sky Center. She assists the Director and professional staff with communications, public relations, and intergovernmental support. Michelle has also assisted the Institute of Tribal Government Tribal Leadership Forum in the development of materials for tribal governance training and has participated as an instructor with intergovernmental entities for the Institute but also through the One Sky Center.

Prior to coming to the Center, she spent seven years in the U.S. Senate as a policy advisor to former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). She is one of the few American Indian professionals who have worked on Capitol Hill for both political parties. Michelle's professional and personal background is strongly rooted in Indian education, Indian health, and Indian affairs. She has worked with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium in Alexandria, Virginia; Northwest Indian College on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Bellingham, Washington; and, Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Montana. Michelle also worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Chemawa Indian School, an off-reservation Bureau of Indian Affairs-operated boarding school, in Salem, Oregon.

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Science from the University of Oregon with aspirations to pursue a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Doctoral in Education. She was born in Oregon, and raised in both the Pacific Northwest and the Navajo Nation in the Southwestern United States. Her mother is from Manuelito, New Mexico and her father is from Kayenta, Arizona. Both parents are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. She is of the “Bitter water” clan, born for the “One Walks Around” clan. Michelle is one of four children, with two nephews and two nieces.

Recent Publications:

Singer, Michelle. Health Care Disparities and the Native American Community. Oregon Civil Rights Newsletter for the Civil Rights Section of the Oregon State Bar December 2009

Singer, Michelle. Cultural Resiliency Through Education and Technology. Winds of Change Quarterly for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society Winter Edition 2005

Organizations:

Trainer/Consultant, Institute of Tribal Government – Tribal Leaders Forum
Member, Oregon Native American Entrepreneurial Business Network Ambassadors Council
Friar, University of Oregon Chapter – Friars Honor Society
Member, American Indian Science & Engineering Society Professional Chapter
Former Member, Native American Youth and Family Center Fundraising and Public Relations Committee

Awards and Honors:

(1993) Jewell Hairston Bell Award for Outstanding Contributions in furthering the cause of diversity at the University of Oregon
(1993) The Wilson Cup for the Outstanding Senior student who challenged the University of Oregon to maintain its commitment to people of color
(1993) The Dean’s Service Award for demonstrating service to the University of Oregon
(1991/1988) Office of Minority Affairs Award for Outstanding Leadership
(1990-1991) Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges