Debra Haaland made history as the first Native American woman on a major party ticket to run for Lieutenant Governor. She did not win that race but was later elected as the NM Democratic Party State Chair, becoming the first Native American State Party Chair in US history. Haaland sees a future where a community’s diversity is represented in their elected officials, and believes that you are the diversity that public service needs.
Debra Haaland is the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. She has been a grassroots community organizer, businesswoman, and administrator and is highly active in the advocacy of Native American issues. She is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna. Debra ran for Lt. Governor of New Mexico in 2014, is the former Chairwoman of the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, and the former Chairwoman of the Native American Democratic Caucus of NM. Debra holds a B.A. from UNM, and a J.D. from the UNM School of Law. She resides in Albuquerque where her daughter Somáh attends the University of New Mexico.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx