Selene Santiago-Lopez

Selene is of the Ñhañhu community. She is a first-generation queer indigenous woman raised in a Mexican-American household. She is someone who is intentional with un/re/learning everything. A sister/daughter/mother/friend who is processing her intergenerational trauma to rewrite her narrative. A plant that is being watered by those who cross her path and watering others who find themselves in the same space. She is learning to care for herself mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. As someone who is guided by her ancestors' deep connection to her community and La Madre Tierra (Mother Earth), she seeks to cultivate healing spaces for the advancement of the communities she serves through her advocacy and educational journey. She is dedicated to ensuring that students from the past/present/future are assured a space of belonging in which they’ll be uplifted, supported, and validated. Selene honors her ancestors, those who are present in this moment, and those who are on their way. She resides on occupied Tuscarora/Lumbee/Ocaneechi land. Hamadi/gracias/thank you.