OUR BOARD
Geoffrey Mobisson, President
Libby Goff
Dr. Raquel Salas
Debbie Nez-Manuel
A Tsenjikini clan member and member of the Navajo Nation, Debbie Nez-Manuel is the founder of Morning Star Leaders, an Arizona nonprofit that teaches native youth the core values of indigenous life through cultural programs and leadership opportunities. A recipient of the 2016 Arizona Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award, Nez-Manuel is recognized for committing her life to serving urban and rural youth throughout Arizona. A graduate of Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University, Nez-Manuel holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work. Nez-Manuel’s ancestral roots are in Klagetoh Arizona. She resides in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community with her husband Royce Manuel and their children, Megan, Haleigh, and Shandiin.
Dionne Mills
Dionne Mills is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist working as a Hospitalist in the Phoenix area. She is active in advocating for equity in education, providing health and sexual education to women and girls, and is involved in progressive grassroots organizations in her community. Her passions include women’s health and empowerment, as well as encouraging science-based comprehensive sex education in primary and secondary schools. Dr. Mills resides in Gilbert AZ with her husband and their three elementary school-aged children.
Heather Gookin
Heather Gookin has been an educator for 15 years, and has taught Pre-K through 8th grades. A graduate of ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College, she is proud to have called Arizona her home for the last 40 years. She and her 3 children have all attended Arizona public schools and universities. Heather’s passion lies in making things better in her home state and beyond, for all children. As a once-upon-a-time, young single mom, she recognizes the important role public schools play in the success of future generations and she spends her time working tirelessly to that end.
Berdetta Hodge
Berdetta Hodge is the President of the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board. She is the former Educational Coordinator for the East Valley NAACP and Vice President of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center. Berdetta Hodge is the first African American woman elected in Tempe and has spent her public service career advocating for our community.
