Nasheen Sleuth

UNM Graduate (B.s.)

UGC Graduate (Master’s)

prior Miss Congeniality

current actress/ influencer

Joaquín Zihuatanejo

Coolspeak

Author + Poet

AWARD-WINNING teacher

Keynote Speaker: Nasheen Sleuth, MS, LPCC

Nasheen is an actor, counselor, and mother. She is from the Diné Nation. Her clans are: Hálts’ooí (Meadow People), born for T’ách’iníí (Red Running into the Water), her maternal grandfather is Kiiyínaaníí (towering house), and her paternal grandfather is Ashiihí (salt people). She graduated from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Native American Studies and TESOL. She was also Miss Congeniality in the 2006-2007 Miss Indian UNM pageant and an active member of the American Indian Student Services at UNM. She graduated in 2013 with a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and Addiction Studies from Grand Canyon University. She has worked in Indian Health Services and schools that support Native Youth. She is currently known on Tiktok as @forwardlight for her Native comedy creation “Auntie Máyázhí”. Her Auntie Máyázhí character educates and brings awareness about important topics through relatable Diné humor and experience. Her acting career started in background talent, and she booked her first speaking role in 2015 as “Mercedes” in Chasing the Light. She was cast in the film Frybread Face & Me as “Aunt Sharon” currently streaming on Netflix. Her passion for creative art has always been a part of all her professional goals. When she is not acting, she provides mental health counseling for youth, promotes health & wellness in Native communities, and cares for her rescue pets.

Keynote Speaker: Joaquín Zihuatanejo

Joaquín Zihuatanejo is an author, poet, spoken word artist, and award-winning teacher. Born and raised in the barrio of East Dallas, Joaquín expertly captures the duality of the Chicano culture. He’s captivated thousands with his honest depiction of barrio life.

Joaquin speaks on a variety of topics, including but not limited to spoken word poetry, writing & college essay workshops, self-expression, and Hispanic/Latino culture.

He’s authored several books, including the critically acclaimed “Arsonist.” Joaquin is a highly sought-after educator for his writing workshops, especially college and scholarship essay sessions.

Sometimes brutal but always honest, his work depicts the essence of barrio life, writing about a youth that existed somewhere between the streets of the barrio and the dream wanderings of a boy.