Jaden Shirley

Jaden (‘Jay’) Shirley (she/her) is a proud member of the Navajo Nation, originally from Sanostee, NM, on the Navajo reservation. She is a passionate advocate, designer and student leader dedicated to fostering community engagement, Indigenous representation and political activism.

As a Student Advocacy Leader with Texas Freedom Network and Texas Rising, Jaden helps mobilize students for progressive political action in Texas. Her work includes leading voter registration drives, Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns, issue and candidate forums, hands-on political training and creative direct actions. Through student-led advocacy, she ensures that critical issues affecting Indigenous and local communities remain central to policy discussions in both Texas and New Mexico. Jaden’s leadership extends to her role as President of the Alliance of Indigenous Scholars at St. Edward’s University, where she works to create safe and empowering spaces for Indigenous students, elevate cultural awareness and push for systemic change.

Beyond advocacy, Jaden is a skilled graphic designer and communicator, using visual storytelling to support social justice organizations like Texas Rising. She bridges activism and design, ensuring Indigenous stories and movements receive the visibility and impact they deserve. Her work integrates design thinking, strategic communication and coalition-building to amplify advocacy efforts and empower communities.

Currently pursuing a BA in UX Design with a minor in Graphic Design at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, Jaden is committed to using design, policy, and community leadership to advance Indigenous rights and justice.

About Jaden’s Project

During her time as a 2025 Remembering Our Sisters Fellow, Jay plans to compile information on how the lack of media coverage and resources through the federal government contributes to MMIW.