Meet the committee for NAIEANY
Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy
CHAIR
(ONEIDA)
Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy, a member of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, serves as Assistant Director of Partnership Programs and Indigenous Recruitment, Native American Liaison, Indigenous Graduate Student Advisor, and Chair of the Native Faculty and Staff Association at Syracuse University. She develops and improves programs for Indigenous students and provides guidance for first-year and transfer students. A Syracuse University alumna with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, Tammy has worked in the Admissions Office for nearly 14 years.
One of her most rewarding roles is working with Haudenosaunee communities, connecting with Indigenous youth, and guiding them through the college application process. Her vision is to recruit and graduate Indigenous scholars who will return to their communities to foster the next generation of leadership. Tammy was one of the first recipients of the NAIEA scholarship and currently serves as NAIEA Chair.
Ryan Ransom
VICE CHAIR
(MOHAWK)
Ryan Ransom, an Akwesasne Mohawk, serves as Assistant Director for the North Country Science & Technology Entry Program and Adjunct Instructor for Mohawk Language and Culture at SUNY Potsdam, and the My Brother's Keeper Indigenous Education Grant Coordinator at Massena Central School District. His work with NCSTEP allows him to help students who want to pursue a career in STEM and licensed professions. Ryan is an alum of St. Lawrence University and received his Masters from the University at Buffalo.
He has been working in the education field for 12 years.
Ryan has a passion for STEM and working to integrate indigenous knowledge with STEM curriculum because "Indigenous knowledge is STEM knowledge." He is an active member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and currently serves as the President for the AISES Lake Erie Professional Chapter and serves on the AISES PK-12 Education Committee.
Ryan took on the role of creating the NAIEANY website and updating the NAIEANY social media accounts. He recently accepted the role of INTERIM VICE CHAIR.
Monica Antone-Watson
Treasurer
(MOHAWK)
Monica, a Mohawk member of the Wolf Clan, earned her G.E.D. in 1983 and Associates degrees in Restaurant Management (1996) and Elementary Education (2000) from Mohawk Valley Community College. From 1997 to 2010, she was a Native American Mentor at Stockbridge Valley Central School’s Title VII program, supporting Native American students and teaching cultural traditions to boost their self-esteem and awareness.
Active in Indian education statewide, Monica has served as Treasurer of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York since 2001 and participated in numerous conferences and cultural festivals. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Fiber Arts/Material Studies and a minor in Native American Studies.
Monica is deeply involved in her Oneida Indian Community, organizing events for children and families, and teaching traditional arts and dances. Her leadership includes planning community activities such as egg hunts, Mother’s Day picnics, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas parties.
Currently, Monica works as an Assistant Manager at a restaurant, Head of Wardrobe at the Stanley Theater, and continues creating Traditional Clothing.
Tianna Porter
Secretary
(MOHAWK)
Tianna is Mohawk, Wolf Clan. She serves as the current Secretary of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York (NAIEA/NY). In addition to her role as secretary, Tianna serves as the Economic Empowerment Director at Native American Community Services. With over 15 years of workforce development experience, she has worked at various Buffalo and New York City nonprofits.
Tianna has developed and overseen programs, classes, and career counseling techniques providing clients with essential resources to secure jobs and build careers. Her firsthand experience with helping participants deal with barriers to self-sufficiency has underscored the importance of mentorship and skill development for empowerment. Tianna feels honored to do the impactful work that she does within the community.