Shandiin Herrera

2019 Champion for Change, Democracy is Indigenous Ambassador

Navajo Nation

Age: 21

Monument Valley, UT

Shandiin Herrera is a citizen of the Navajo Nation from Monument Valley, UT.  Shandiin recognizes the power of using her voice in spaces where Native people are absent. Her role as a Diné woman, an advocate for Indigenous rights and a policy student have influenced her passion for public service. She is dedicated to fostering the growth of Native students, to engage and advocate for policies that directly impact Indigenous people and wants to inspire her peers by engaging Native youth in the political process. Shandiin was a Gates Millennium Scholar, a Udall Scholar and a Chief Manuelito Scholar.

She is currently a Lead for America Hometown Fellow, working with Yee Ha’ólníí Doo d.b.a Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, coordinating food and supply distributions for elderly and immunocompromised in her community. Additionally, she works tirelessly to find opportunities for community engagement projects and youth mentorship. Shandiin holds a bachelor’s in Public Policy from Duke University.