Danita Ordaz is Jicarilla Apache and Lipan Apache and currently works as the Tribal Workforce Coordinator within the GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program. In this position she provides administrative support in the efforts of the National Tribal Education and Workforce initiatives.

Danita has her bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies with a focus in Indigenous Studies from Colorado State University. Her passion for both education and uplifting tribal members/communities has been a driving force in what type of work she has engaged in her professional career. She has worked in a variety of positions within the K-12 school system and higher education institutions. Her work has a focus on access, recruitment and retention within the realm of Indian Education. Her work in education has been nationally recognized by NASPA’s Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Committee when she was awarded “Outstanding Professional in Service”. Aside from work she enjoys being a mother, crafting, singing hiking and traveling.