Expanding the Circle (ETC) at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is an academic outreach program that provides culturally-relevant services and support to Native American high school students from the 22 Tribes in New Mexico.

IAIA-ETC has been established to promote preparation of Native American high school students for a college environment through:

• IAIA on campus programs (professional development workshops, college visitation tours, tutoring training program, summer enrichment program and college access workshops) and;
• Assisting NM tribal educators in developing community based college preparation programs (tutoring programs, college access programs, and college preparation workshops) that promote similar support services offered to IAIA students.

OUTREACH TEAM

Liz Bahe, Project Director | Navajo / Turtle Mountain Chippewa

P. 505.424.2375 | C. 505.629.3842 |  ebahe@iaia.edu

Liz received her B.A. in Political Science and her M.Ed. in Counseling at Northern Arizona University. She grew up on both the Navajo reservation and in Flagstaff, Arizona. She is of the Towering House clan and born to the Bear Clan-Turtle Mountain Chippewa.

Her work in higher education primarily focuses on creating educational pathways that promote student access into post secondary environments.  Liz has held various management positions within student affairs in two and four-year colleges. Liz believes that with dedication and a commitment to hard work, anyone can succeed in attaining what they aspire to.

Alissa Chavez, Outreach Coordinator | San Felipe Pueblo / Hopi - Tewa / Navajo

P. 505.424.2341 | C. 505.231.0633 | achavez@iaia.edu

With a background in management and experience in the arts gained from growing up in a family of artists, Alissa found the opportunity to start a career at the IAIA, a position that afforded a dream come true. Following a year of work with the Center for Lifelong Education, she was offered a position with Expanding the Circle.

Alissa has developed several programs for students in the pueblos and Santa Fe Public Schools. Most recently, she has dedicated her time to coordinate the ETC Summer Enrichment Program and Sunday Dinner Conversations. Alissa is currently pursuing her B.A. in Elementary Education at the University of New Mexico.

Ben Calabaza, Outreach Coordinator | Santo Domingo Pueblo

P. 505.424.5797 | C. 505.699.3763 | bcalabaza@iaia.edu

Ben received his B.A. in Theatre and Communication Arts from Whittier College in California. Before joining the ETC team, Ben worked for the Anilta Corporation as a Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director in Paramount, California.

Besides coordinating the Native Youth Summit & College Road Trip programs, Ben works with IAIA students in developing ETC marketing material. His unique teaching style provides students with design experience, concept development and advertising techniques.

Leah Boss, Office Manager | Laguna Pueblo / Hopi / Akimel O'Odham

P. 505.424.5732 | lboss@iaia.edu

Leah studied Liberal Arts at Whittier College in Whittier, CA.  She grew up on the Laguna Pueblo reservation and currently resides in Santa Fe, NM.

While in California she worked for Whittier College's Student Activities Department as an Event Coordinator/Manager.  Leah assisted student clubs and academic departments with planning events in Whittier's state-of-the-art nighclub facility.  She also worked with Aspect International Language Academies during the summer as a Program Coordinator.  Leah planned activities for students around the greater Los Angeles metro area.

Leah returned to New Mexico in 2006 and began working first with the non-profit organization Intermountain Youth Centers (IYC) and then Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS).  IYC provides services to Native youth while PMS provides services to New Mexicans state-wide.  She has vast experience with office administration, program administration as well as personnel administration.