Yvonne Carter, Hopi, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis School of Public Health after an accomplished career in the Air Force. (Courtesy photo)
Amber Means, Hopi and Lakota, recently graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in social work and will continue her studies there for graduate school. (Courtesy photo)
Natasha Goldtooth, Navajo, graduated from Diné College in May, earning her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. Goldtooth is a dedicated mother and first-generation college graduate. (Courtesy photo)
In 2025, more than 130 Education Forward Arizona-supported students are graduating from postsecondary institutions, including 84 individuals who received the Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship that helps increase college access and success for Native students across Arizona. (Photo/EFA)
Reporter
By Alexandra Wittenberg
Navajo-Hopi Observer
Amber Means and Yvonne Carter are two young Hopi women who graduated college this spring thanks to scholarships from Education Forward Arizona.
Yvonne Carter, Hopi, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis School of Public Health after an accomplished career in the Air Force. (Courtesy photo)
Carter graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis School of Public Health, and was on the dean’s list for three semesters in a row prior. Eventually, Carter would like to work within tribal communities to improve health outcomes and promote wellness.
In December 2024, Carter delivered a presentation titled, “Water for Hopi,” examining external factors impacting the quality of Hopi drinking water, leading to increased cancer rates and environmental challenges.
Carter is 45 years old, and after an accomplished career as an operational leader in the U.S. Airforce, she returned to university to pursue her passion for public health.
“Attending university has renewed my love for continued self-growth, allowing me to pursue my passion for helping others,” Carter said.
Carter’s opportunities through Education Forward Arizona’s Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship also empowered Native communities. her to raise awareness about the importance of higher education within Native American and Alaska.
Carter will take a hiatus from school to travel overseas with her military family before eventually returning to University of Memphis to pursue her Master of Public Health, with a concentration in social and behavioral science and community health.
“The university’s School of Public Health has become increasingly influential on the global stage, and I am eager to continue my education there,” Carter said.
Carter learned about the scholarship program through Native Health Phoenix. “Being accepted into your program gave me the confidence and motivation to complete my undergraduate journey—one that took longer than I had originally planned,” Carter said.” The guidance and support from your advisors and staff played a significant role in my academic success.”
Means, Hopi and Lakota, recently graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a degree in social work. For Means, college wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about finding her purpose and building a future rooted in service.
Amber Means, Hopi and Lakota, recently graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in social work and will continue her studies there for graduate school. (Courtesy photo)
While at ASU, the single mother was also involved in the American Indian Social Work Student Association and interned at the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
This summer, Means will intern at AARP, where she will focus on policy work and advocacy to improve the lives of older adults. In fall, she will begin her master’s in social work at ASU, continuing her journey to become a powerful voice for social justice and equity in her community.
Means said education after high school has changed her life by giving her opportunities to thrive.
Natasha Goldtooth, Navajo, graduated from Diné College in May, earning her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. Goldtooth is a dedicated mother and first-generation college graduate. (Courtesy photo)
Natasha Goldtooth, Navajo, graduated from Diné College in May, earning her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. Goldtooth will continue her academic journey this fall, beginning her master’s program in climate solutions and sustainability at Northern Arizona University.
Goldtooth is a dedicated mother and first-generation college graduate, who was able to start her college path with a scholarship from Education Forward Arizona.
“Thank you to my family for always helping and supporting me—especially my daughter Tenlee, who’s been by my side since day one,” Goldtooth said upon graduations. (Thanks to the) scholarship for helping me succeed in this milestone in my life, not only for myself but for my family as well.”
Goldtooth said college has changed her life, allowing her to take bold chances on new opportunities and not letting fear by a barrier.
“Natasha’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of higher education, especially for Native American students pursuing careers that benefit their communities and the planet,” said Shannon Sowby, representing Education Forward Arizona.
In 2025, more than 130 Education Forward Arizona-supported students are graduating from postsecondary institutions, including 84 individuals who received the Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship that helps increase college access and success for Native students across Arizona. (Photo/EFA)
In 2025, more than 130 Education Forward Arizona-supported students are graduating from postsecondary institutions, including 84 individuals who received the Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship that helps increase college access and success for Native students across Arizona.
Students hail from every corner of Arizona, including Chinle, Flagstaff, Globe, Lake Havasu City, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. There are dozens of graduates who hail from the Navajo Nation.
The graduates are studying everything from nursing to architecture to education.
From helping high school students through initiatives like College Knowing & Going, to offering financial and wraparound support through scholarships, Education Forward Arizona continues to invest in pathways that lead to brighter futures for students across the state. Every Education Forward Arizona student is paired with a success adviser, who offers coaching and mentoring to help the students successfully navigate their college experience and ensure success.
Earlier this year, the organization marked a major milestone: More than 1,000 scholarship recipients have now graduated since its founding. These students have already contributed an estimated $2.2 billion in economic impact to Arizona, showing that education pays dividends for everyone.
Find out more at https://educationforwardarizona.org/honoring-arizonas-class-of-2025-more-graduates-more-opportunity-for-all.
Alexandra Wittenberg
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