Kayla Dawn Begay is an emerging leader and Diné woman from the community of Navajo, New Mexico. Kayla is currently the director of learning and development at Dził Ditł'ooí School of Empowerment, Action and Perseverance (DEAP). Her work with the community of Navajo and partnership with the NACA Inspired Schools Network to launch (DEAP), a school based in the community vision, speaks volumes to her understanding and deep belief that all students deserve an education that allows them to be firm in their identities and reclaim their rights as Native people on a sovereign land. As a product of Navajo, New Mexico, Kayla returned to fulfill the desire of Diné Nation’s wish that Navajo students go and get an education and return to make their communities better. Kayla has taught for over ten years in her community. Her experiences enabled her to be a role model for her students, staff, and community members in her actions and mindsets of hope, strength, perseverance, and belief that anything is possible. In the classroom, Kayla is able to build and maintain strong relationships with her students, and their families, and convey her love and belief in their ability to succeed despite so many obstacles against them. She is Tódích’íi’nii born for Táchii’nii. She earned her BA in sociology and education from Occidental College and MA in elementary education from The University of New Mexico.