Staff: Marissa Danforth

Marissa Danforth, Yenek^kta (She is by the Water), is a member of the Oneida Nation and is also part Húŋkpapȟa, Lakota, and Omaha. She recently graduated from Black Hills State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in American Indian Studies and Human Services with an emphasis in Community. Marissa is passionate about her work with indigenous communities and is committed to helping them thrive.

Marissa has a strong desire to help indigenous youth succeed in higher education. For the past two summers, she has worked with indigenous youth from all over the United States at the Indian University of North America. Here she served as a Resident Assistant, helping students pursue higher education and prepping them for college. She is always looking for ways to positively impact her community.