Calvin Hedrick
Interim Director of Organizing
Mountain Maidu
Calvin Hedrick is Mountain Maidu. Calvin is the Lead Organizer for CNVP in Sacramento. He has over 22 years of experience working with American Indian communities in California.
Calvin earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Native American Studies from Humboldt State University (Now CalPoly Humboldt) and attended Graduate school at UCLA. He is a Maidu dancer and is knowledgeable in Native culture. Calvin lives with his wife Virginia and three sons (ages 21, 12, 10) and two nieces (ages 5 and 7) in Carmichael, CA.
Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein
Director of Communications
Chickasaw
Erik, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has worked as both a journalist, most recently for the Los Angeles Times, where he was Senior Video Director, and as a documentary producer for ESPN, VH1, Food Network, Biography, and other networks. The UC Berkeley graduate has also held editorial leadership roles at publications such as Spin, Los Angeles Reader, and Orange Coast. His short story, “Fried Chicken,” was featured in the anthology “Another City” (City Lights, 2001). He has written about his Chickasaw ancestors and is interested in developing the story into a book or film.
Maeve Fairbanks
Executive Assistant
Red Lake band of Ojibwe
Maeve, a member of the Red Lake band of Ojibwe from Minnesota, recently moved to Los Angeles from Bozeman, Montana. Maeve graduated from Dartmouth College in 2022 with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Maeve is interested in decolonial approaches including language revitalization, restorative justice, and regenerative agriculture.
Jody McKenzie
Executive Virtual Assistant
Peguis First Nation Ojibway from Manitoba
Jody McKenzie is an accomplished executive/virtual assistant based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and a proud member of the Peguis First Nation Ojibway from Manitoba.
With a strong background in executive assistance and administration, Jody brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her journey in the administration field spans several years, during which she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an ability to navigate the complexities of executive support, utilizing a personal and community-focused approach to her work.
Beyond her professional expertise, Jody has a passion for art, music, and photography. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved Shar-pei, Vinny.
McKenzie Allen-Charmley
Social Media & Content Coordinator
Black and Dena’ina Athabascan
McKenzie Allen-Charmley (she/her) is a Black and Dena’ina Athabascan creative,
activist, and digital media specialist born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. The Arizona
State University graduate has a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and a rich
background in Indigenous history and amplifying Native voices.
She previously worked in journalism as a reporter and producer where she dedicated
her coverage to underserved communities, emphasizing Indigenous policy, issues, and
voices. Her work has been published and broadcast nationally and internationally for
notable entities such as CNBC, NBC, and PBS, among others. Uplifting
The Indigenous voice and experience is McKenzie’s true purpose and passion. She loves to sing and enjoys spending time in nature in her free time.
Shannon Wingfield
Communications Manager
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation
Shannon Wingfield (she/her) brings a diverse and accomplished background in management, strategic planning, and customer service, with leadership experience spanning across major organizations.
She is an enrolled member of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation, the ancestral people of Orange County, CA, for whom she is serving a term as Tribal Secretary, after completing a four-year-term on Tribal Council as Councilmember-at-Large.
Shannon has also held roles such as Associate Vice President of Specialty Marketing at Synchrony Financial and Senior Vice President of Global Product Strategy at Wingfield Global. In addition to corporate leadership, Shannon is the founder of Three Feathers Native American Marketing Agency, which supports Native American businesses and tribal governments by fostering meaningful partnerships and driving impactful initiatives.
She holds a Communication/Journalism bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies in Indigenous Peoples Law at the University of Oklahoma, with plans to continue toward a juris doctorate in tribal law.
Aurelia Mora
Development Manager
Chicana
As a second-generation Chicana in Los Angeles, Aurelia has been witness to and felt the impacts of gentrification and the criminalization and systemic oppression of BIPOC communities. Prior to her work with Liberty Hill, Aurelia primarily worked within higher education as a transfer student advocate and peer coordinator at UC Berkeley where she earned her BA in Ethnic Studies. She most recently earned her Master in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Transportation Policy and Planning from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Through planning and social sciences lenses, Aurelia is dedicated to centering the histories and voices of BIPOC communities. Aurelia seeks to center her work around being responsive and relevant to the needs and interests of the communities she serves.
Josephine Argomaniz
Adminstrative Assistant
Josephine provides administrative support to our Executive and Operations team. After providing care for her family and home for 8 years she was excited to begin her journey with CNVP and unite with an organization who is passionate and committed to social justice and policy change.
Elizabeth Garcia provides support with administrative, operational, and to the organization in general. She received her B.A in Sociology with the option in Social Welfare and Social Justice from California State University, Northridge. She believes in the importance of access to higher education for all students. She enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and spending time with her dog, Luna.
Shannon Rivers
Indigenous Education Now Coalition Manager
Akimel O’otham
Is a member of the Akimel O’otham (River People) Nation. Shannon was born and raised on the Gila River Indian Community located in the southern state of Arizona. He is an Indigenous Peoples human rights activist. Shannon served as a delegate and participant at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for nearly a decade, and from 2008 – 2010 Shannon served as Co-chair for the Global Indigenous Peoples Caucus at the UN. Currently, Shannon is a Native American spiritual leader and cultural advisor to the Indigenous inmate population in the state, federal, tribal, and private prisons in Arizona and California, and serves as Co-Chair for the Underserved Cultural Committee (UsCC) for the Dept. of Mental Health Los Angeles. Shannon received his BS from Northern Arizona University and his MA from the University of California, Los Angeles. Shannon comes to the CNVP team to lead and manage the Indigenous Education Now coalition.
Lance Hilderbrand
Strategic Initiatives Project Manager
Colville Confederated Tribes
Lance (he/they) is a two-spirit member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Lance’s upbringing within his reservation community in eastern Washington has shaped his perspective and dedication to advancing indigenous sovereignty. After earning his BA in Political Science from Stanford University, he has been based in Los Angeles, where he has dedicated himself to providing data analytics and creative strategy for various social movement projects and progressive political campaigns. Outside of work, Lance is an avid learner of his great-grandmother’s language, Okanagan Salish, and finds joy in his journey of cultural revitalization and celebration.
Tencha Chavez
Outreach Manager
Navajo-Diné
Tencha Chavez is Navajo-Diné of the Eastern Navajo Agency in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Her maternal clans are: Halt’sooi Diné é (Meadow People) and Tsinajinnii (Black Streak Forest) and she is Mexican (Nakaii) from her father’s side. She grew up in Los Angeles County (Tovangaar) but has ties back home on the Little Water Chapter Reservation. She recently graduated from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) with a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy. She aspires to help make political changes in the White House with Native representation and advocacy.
One of her life’s purposes is to help her people heal and overcome past traumas and break free from generational curses, including those of her own family and Nation. Her journey has been one of resilience and transformation. She proudly identifies as an addict in recovery, walking the Red Road with unwavering determination. Overcoming addiction was not just a personal victory but a spiritual awakening that allowed Tencha to rediscover her purpose. She is passionate about serving our Native American community by creating systemic change that will help break the cycles of addictions, generational, and historical traumas. Her vision is one of hope, resilience, and a future where Native people can thrive, free from the burdens of indivisibility and hopelessness.
Renee Perez
Outreach Coordinator
Chicana & Indigenous Mexican
Renee Perez is Chicana and Indigenous Mexican. Renee was born and raised in San Fernando California. She began working with California Native Vote Project in 2022 as a part time canvasser and later joined the team full time as the Outreach Coordinator.She has been involved in Community engagement and outreach for the last 20 years. She has worked for several organizations in LA County, working with Unhoused, youth, incarcerated individuals, those in rehabilitation, the LGBTQIA community and more through community and health education. Renee has had a passion for social justice work since high school — she has had the desire to serve and give back to her community. She is grateful that she is now collaborating and empowering Native communities in CA through her leadership and experience. She is a widow and mother of her three boys who she adores. When she is not out in the community building relationships, she celebrates with the community as a lead vocalist in a latin, R&B band — which she has been a part of for over 30 years.
Maricruz Robledo
Strategic Initiatives Project Manager
Maricruz earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and minored in Social Work.
She brings a wealth of experience from her work in restorative justice, child welfare, workforce development, sustainability, and housing. Maricruz is deeply passionate about advocacy and is dedicated to bringing equity to communities. She thrives in action-oriented environments and enjoys leveraging creativity to drive positive change.
Outside of work, Maricruz loves spending time outdoors in nature, traveling, trying new foods, and meeting new people to hear their stories.
Liam Walsh is a UC Santa Cruz alumni who serves as the statewide outreach manager for the California Native Vote Project team. Liam grew up in Portland and moved as a teenager to the Valley Center area near the Rincon Reservation, where his family lives.
Liam spends most of his free time surfing, skiing, and playing guitar for his dog. Liam found his passion for social justice work while working with ACORN at UC Santa Cruz. As the statewide outreach manager Liam works in the areas of Covid programs, census work, and voter engagement work surrounding elections.
Angelina Hinojosa
Youth Organizing Intern
Pinoleville Pomo Nation
Angelina, a member of Pinoleville Pomo Nation, is a dedicated youth leader, currently residing on traditional Miwok land in Sacramento, California. Nineteen-year-old Angelina has already made a significant impact through her involvement in tribal communities and advocacy for Native rights. Growing up immersed in community engagement, she was recognized as a youth leader from a young age, speaking at protests and advocating for her people.
Angelina is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree, majoring in Ethnic Studies at California State University, Sacramento, while serving in various leadership roles. She has worked as an intern with Native Sisters Circle and the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, as well as an ambassador for the Center for Native American Youth in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she contributes as a Youth Advisor for Mathematica’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative and WestEd’s Mental Health Student Services Act. She also serves on the CRIBH (California Rural Indian Health Board) Opioid Surveillance Youth Board and the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Youth Planning Committee.
Outside of her work, she is a California Traditional Dancer, Aztec Dancer, and avid traveler, committed to both her cultural roots and community service.
