By NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: WynterRose Sheka & Marcus Tenorio 

Join us in recognizing two members of the NB3 Foundation Youth Council: WynterRose Sheka (#22, Tohatchi High School Senior) and Marcus Tenorio (#12, Santa Fe Indian School Freshman)!

These two athletes are not only standouts on the court, but also passionate mentors and advocates off the court. As youth council members, they show up for their communities, lead by example, and uplift their peers by promoting healthy futures for Native youth.

Their advice to younger athletes:
“To the young ones out there — keep pushing towards your goals. Even if it’s a small milestone, it’s still a step towards your bigger goals. You got this!”

— Marcus

“In any sport, you need to have the IQ — understand the game. Be in the gym every day whether it’s running, shooting, or ball handling. Eat healthy and take care of yourself. Self-care matters as you grow. And always express your feelings to your parents or a trusted family member.”
— WynterRose (2025 First Team All-District Selection & District Co-MVP, 3A All State, NM All Star)
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By NB3 Foundation

Hydrate Your Hustle Launch Party Brings Energy, Inspiration and a Call to Action

On Saturday, March 22, the NB3 Foundation officially kicked off its Hydrate Your Hustle campaign with a high-energy virtual Launch Party, streamed live on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The event brought together Native youth, families, educators, comedians, and athletes to inspire a movement focused on fueling our bodies, minds, and passions with one simple yet powerful tool: water.

The livestream was packed with excitement, featuring a dynamic lineup of special guests, interactive games, motivational stories, and fun giveaways. Lori Chavez, Bernalillo Public Schools Teacher of the Year and comedian, brought humor and heart as the event host, setting a fun and welcoming tone for viewers of all ages.

NB3 Foundation program youth Nate and Jillian Calabaza added their own flavor to the event—literally—by putting their taste buds to the test with a fruit-infused water challenge! They also shared personal stories that encouraged viewers to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge—a commitment to drinking more water and making healthy choices every day.

A particularly moving moment came from Hershel Wilson (Diné), a student at Bernalillo High School, who shared a story about the Water Spirit highlighting the deep cultural connection between water and Native communities. His storytelling was a reminder that water is not just for hydration but it is sacred and intertwined with our identities, traditions and ways of life.

Also joining the lineup were Native and role models Maddison Hammond, first ever Native American player in the NWSL,  and Jaelyn Bates, Native collegiate basketball player and NB3FIT coach,  who spoke about how hydration and healthy habits fuel their success in sports and life. Their powerful messages encouraged young people to care for their bodies, set goals and stay committed to healthy lifestyles.

Whether you’re an athlete, artist, student or  working toward a healthier life, Hydrate Your Hustle is for you.

Missed the livestream? No problem! You can still watch the full event on the NB3 Foundation YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhaauLTg3Hw .

Stay tuned for more Hydrate Your Hustle events happening this summer! Get involved, take the pledge and help keep the momentum going in your community.

Take the pledge! 

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Soccer Kicks Off with 105 Youth Participants

 

NB3FIT Soccer has officially launched, welcoming roughly 105 youth participants for a season dedicated to skill development, game knowledge and teamwork. Designed with an academy-style approach, the season will provide flexibility for youth to practice, compete and grow in an encouraging and structured environment.

At the heart of the program’s success are the dedicated volunteer coaches and game managers who show up each week to mentor and guide the players. Each coach receives training and certification before stepping onto the field, ensuring they are equipped to teach the game and support participants in their development. Their commitment helps create a positive space for players of all levels to improve and enjoy the game.

In addition to skill building, NB3 Foundation’s Evaluation and Research team will be present in the beginning and end of season, working with youth to distribute and collect knowledge kits (surveys) designed to measure the impact of the program. These surveys will help assess skill development, their confidence levels, knowledge of healthy habits  and overall well-being. By gathering this information, we  can continue to refine and improve the program, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and creates long term benefits.

Soccer has long been a flagship program and the organization remains committed to its continued success. Beyond the game, the program plays an important role in promoting health, teamwork and leadership among Native youth. Through structured practices, friendly competition and meaningful evaluation, participants gain life skills.

With another promising season ahead,  the dedication of coaches, families and community members ensures that soccer will continue to be a thriving part of the foundation’s mission to support the health and well-being of Native youth.

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By NB3 Foundation

Join Us for the Hydrate Your Hustle Live Stream Launch Party

Get ready to Hydrate Your Hustle and be part of an exciting movement that’s all about fueling your body, mind, and passions with water! On Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m., we’re going live on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for an interactive Hydrate Your Hustle Launch Party, packed with special guests, fun games, inspiring talks and exciting giveaways.

This  event will feature Lori Chavez, Bernalillo Public Schools Teacher of the Year and comedian, Amanda Cheromiah—better known as Dr. Cheromiah on TikTok—along with NB3 Foundation youth leaders Nate and Jillian. They’ll be sharing their stories, having fun, and encouraging youth to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge – a commitment to drinking more water to fuel their energy, performance and well-being.

By tuning in, you’ll not only learn about the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign but also have the chance to win awesome prizes and participate in interactive challenges. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, student or just looking to live a healthier life, this movement is for you!

Mark your calendar, invite your friends!

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By NB3 Foundation

Healthy Kids! Healthy Futures! Conference Rescheduled to 2026

The NB3 Foundation remains committed to advancing the health and wellness of Native youth and communities. As we prepare to celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2025, we are dedicating our efforts to honoring this milestone with special events, initiatives and reflections on two decades of impact.

To allow for thoughtful planning and full engagement in these celebrations, the Healthy Kids! Healthy Futures! Conference will be rescheduled to 2026. This decision ensures we can continue delivering a high-quality, impactful conference while also dedicating the necessary time and resources to commemorate our 20-year journey.

We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to sharing more details about both the anniversary celebrations and the 2026 conference in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

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By NB3 Foundation

Notah Begay III Foundation Announces Resignation of President and CEO, Tunté Vigil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM — March 5, 2025

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation announces the resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tunté Vigil. Tunté provided leadership and commitment to advancing NB3 Foundation core campaigns and initiatives. We are grateful for her contributions that expanded programming, strengthened partnerships, and made a meaningful difference in the communities NB3 Foundation serves.

The NB3 Foundation Board and Staff wish Tunté success in her future endeavors as she explores opportunities closer to her home in Tesuque Pueblo. We are grateful for Tunté’s dedication and will begin the process of identifying a new leader to continue building on the Foundation’s success. We remain committed to carrying out our mission to ensure Native children achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health.

For additional information, please contact:
Derek Valdo
Chairman, NB3 Foundation Board of Directors
505.404.5007

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT XC Team at National Championship: A Season of Growth and Achievement

The NB3FIT cross country team had an exceptional season, wrapping up with 22 youth  qualifying for the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship. This group included 5 8U girls, 5 8U boys, 8 9-10 girls, 1 9-10 boy, 1 13-14 boy, 1 15-18 boy, and 1 15-18 girl, with four runners competing as individuals. This year marked a significant milestone as more runners from a variety of age divisions qualified than ever before.

The team saw substantial growth, not only in numbers but in performance. In previous years, the 8U age group made up the majority of the team, but this season we witnessed a more balanced spread across age divisions. Six first-year cross-country runners were part of the team, and their rapid ability to adapt to the sport was impressive. Returning runners also achieved personal milestones, such as Jillian Calabaza from Santo Domingo Pueblo, who placed 33rd out of 199 runners at the National JOXC Championship.

Throughout the season, the team experienced significant evolution. Many runners were moving up to older age divisions and adjusting to longer race distances, which can be a challenge. However, as the season progressed, the athletes embraced the transition and worked hard to improve. Some runners saw improvements of up to 8 minutes from the start of the season, setting personal bests. The growth wasn’t just in times; the bond between the runners and coaching staff deepened, and the team became more unified. By the end of the season, we had transformed into a true family, supporting one another through challenges and celebrating each success together.

The most rewarding aspect of coaching this team was seeing the joy and determination of the athletes. Whether on race day or during practice, the team’s enthusiasm and energy made any outside struggles seem small. Being together, outdoors, and active helped everyone focus on the present and gave us a sense of community and strength.

Attending Nationals also provided our youth with valuable lessons that go beyond the track. Traveling as a team reminded them of the importance of representing themselves, their teammates and their communities. The team mantra, “Run for your people, run for your team, run for yourself,” echoed throughout the season, reinforcing the idea that dedication and hard work can open doors. For many of our runners, Nationals set a new standard, inspiring them to continually strive for greater achievements both individually and as part of the team.

This season has been a remarkable journey for the NB3FIT team, full of growth, challenges and triumphs. As we look to the future, we are excited to see where this experience will take our runners, knowing they will continue to inspire others with their passion and commitment.

With the cross country season now complete, the NB3FIT Run Club is looking ahead to track season. Registration is currently open, and practices are set to begin at the end of March. The team is eager to continue building on its success and welcomes new and returning athletes to join the program.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation Staff Continues to Strive for New Heights


We are excited to share a story of dedication and growth within the NB3 Foundation family. Erma Trujillo, Pueblo of Cochiti, has shown incredible determination over the past two years as she worked tirelessly to achieve her goals.

While managing the demands of her role in keeping the Foundation’s finance department running smoothly, Erma also dedicated herself to completing her degree in accounting – all while raising her 10-year-old daughter with unwavering love and support. Her hard work and perseverance paid off as she recently graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting (BSBA).

We’re proud to announce that Erma has now stepped into a new role as Director of Finance for the NB3 Foundation. In this leadership position, she will guide our financial strategies and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our work in supporting Native communities.

“Earning my degree while balancing work and family has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences. I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family and colleagues. I am proud to step into the role of Director of Finance, where I can continue contributing to our mission of empowering Native youth and communities,” she said. 

Please join us in congratulating Erma on her incredible achievements and this well-earned opportunity to continue making a difference. 

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By NB3 Foundation

The NB3 New Mexico Grande Slam Golf Event supports health and opportunity for New Mexico youth

The Notah Begay III New Mexico Grande Slam golf event is more than just a tournament; it’s a key fundraiser supporting the NB3 Foundation and other nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of youth across New Mexico. Each year, the event raises essential funds to provide tools, resources and programs that empower children to live healthier lives.

This year, the NB3 Foundation is proud to partner with the National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI). A portion of the funds raised will support NDI’s mission to bring dance and creative expression to youth, helping them build self-esteem, discipline and confidence.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our generous sponsors whose support makes this event possible. Your contributions are key to delivering resources and creating meaningful change in New Mexico’s communities. By raising funds for organizations that support youth, we’re helping shape a healthier future for the next generation.

We invite everyone to get involved whether through participation, sponsorship or spreading the word. Thank you to all who make the New Mexico Grande Slam a success. Your support is building a brighter future for the youth of New Mexico. See you in 2025!

Together, we go Grande for the kids of New Mexico!

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Day: A Celebration of Health and Community

NB3FIT Day, held at North Domingo Baca Park in Albuquerque, NM, brought together over 70 Native youth and families for a day of fun, fitness and  celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This free event, which is part of our ongoing commitment to providing events  for the community, focused on promoting healthy, active lifestyles for Native youth and their families.

The event featured a variety of activities designed to get participants moving, from obstacle courses, rock climbing call and tennis,  all aimed at getting families and community moving together. It was an opportunity for families to connect, have fun and prioritize health while celebrating Native heritage.

A special thanks goes out to our incredible partners, San Felipe Project Venture, Indigenous Farm Hub and US Tennis Association, whose support helped make this event a success. Their presence and contributions highlight the importance of collaboration in creating healthier communities for Native families.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out to support the event and look forward to continuing our work to provide access to health and wellness resources for Native youth and families. Thank you to all who attended, and we can’t wait for next year’s NB3FIT Day!

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