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Leander Yazzie, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Tribal Liaison
Leander Yazzie grew up in the Navajo Nation. He earned two bachelor degrees from Arizona State University, one in sociology, the other in American Indian studies. He received a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and then completed his doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Washington Tacoma in 2018. An Army veteran, he also spent 10 years at Green River College in advising and tribal relations.
Devon Williams (he/him/his)
Native & Indigenous Student Development Specialist
Devon Williams is a member of the Fort McKay First Nation and works as the Native & Indigenous Student Development Specialist in the Office of Indigenous Engagement. Devon helps lead recruitment and outreach efforts for prospective students in tribal communities, local high schools and two-year colleges. On campus, Devon supports students in pursuing their academic and professional goals through holistic advising, professional development, and programming that promotes student engagement.
Colten Lavaris (he/him/his)
Student Assistant
Colten Lavaris is the Student Assistant of the Office of Indigenous Engagement and Event Coordinator to the Native and Indigenous RSO Cedar Circle. Hired in 2026 to aid the Cedar Circle and Office of Indigenous Engagement, Colten is interested in Tribal Sovereignty, Decolonialization, and Food Sovereignty Efforts. His work in the Family Room supports UWT's effort to empower tribal members and individuals of indigenous descent.
Leonardo Rambayon (he/him/his)
Student Assistant
Leo is the student assistant for the Office of Indigenous Engagement and also the President of the American Indian RSO Cedar Circle at UWT. Originally from Tacoma, he is Turtle Mountain Chippewa, Métis. Leo is studying Business Management with a minor in American Indian Studies and graduated from Tacoma School of the Arts. Through his work, he supports Native and Indigenous students at UWT by helping with event planning, tabling, meeting coordination, and connecting students with institutional resources that support advocacy, policy influence, and community.
