Bachelor of Science: Business Administration, International Business & Spanish, Translation 1995 to 1997, was Casual Labor for the Muckleshoot Tribe. I was a cook at the Tribal School. At Birth to Three, Teacher Assistant TA, even dressed up for one year as the Easter Bunny. I am featured in the 50th Year Anniversary Year Book. I worked at the Elders, Finance, and Enrollment. In 1997, I became a full-time employee for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe in the Department of Reality. In June 2002, I was hired as the Financial Aid Director for the Higher Education Division Department. I am also currently the proud Guardian and Foster Parent to Muckleshoot children. My paternal grandparents were Gregorio Marquez Avitia and Juana Saenz Salcido & Maternal Grandparents were: Manuela Morelas and Francisco Barraza. My parents Gregorio Marquez Salcido y Pilar Barraza Morales. My grandparents and parents were born in Valle de Zaragoza, Chihuahua, Mexico. I was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico and brought to the United States at the age of one. My parents and I migrated into Los Angeles, California to which we lived in Compton until 1987, then my parents moved to Mexico and I stayed to continue my education. Once I graduated from college, I was offered the position of Admission Evaluator at University of California, Long Beach. I have two biological siblings and seven non-biological siblings. My other set of parents are Josefina Cardenas y Raymundo Gutierrez.

Education/Work Experience: Bachelor of Arts in Education from Pacific Lutheran University I have lived my whole life in the Puget Sound region. My father is Stacy Smith from Seattle, my mother is Susan Hudelson-Smith. My father’s parents came from Norway and Ireland, the Farstad and Lindsay families, and my mother’s heritage is German and British. After graduating college, I worked as a teacher and tutor, and as the Center Director at Sylvan Learning for over a decade. In my free time, I enjoy attending live concerts, and going on adventures with my two teenage children and toddler son.

Lydia Adira is passionate about empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Youth Development & Program Planning and a Master of Business Administration, combining deep knowledge of student support with strong leadership and strategic planning skills. With extensive experience advising students from a wide range of backgrounds, Lydia specializes in academic guidance, career exploration, and inclusive program guidance. She is committed to helping you explore your interests, choose a major or vocational path, and create a personalized plan for future success.

My name is Sahara Singh (née Hansen), and I am an enrolled member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, and a member of the Courville and Siddle families. I spent the majority of my childhood living on or near the Muckleshoot Reservation, which deeply shaped my identity and values. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and a Master's degree from the University of Washington.

Amy Castaneda is the Financial Aid Manager for the Scholarship Department. She is a Muckleshoot tribal member, she’s married and has three children. Amy oversees the Financial Aid team and works with the Private School Assistance Program (PSAP). She graduated from Green River College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management.

Education/Work Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation & Sports Management I’m originally from Southern California, but I’ve also lived in Arizona and Idaho before settling in Washington with my dog and two cats. I’m a first‑generation American. My dad, Nsa Nsa, is from Nigeria, and my mom, Deborah Nsa (Lalich), was from Canada. I spent over five years in director roles for the nonprofit world with the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, then moved into Higher Ed as the Program Manager for Outreach and the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Everett Community College. I’m really excited to help grow the MIT Internship Program because I love supporting students, building community connections, and helping people discover new opportunities.