Meet Our New Mexico youth ambassador Jo

Hello, my name is Jolene “Jo” Tsinnijinnie (she/they). I am a first-generation senior at New Mexico Highlands University, graduating soon with a Bachelor of Social Work. I am from the Pueblo of Santo Domingo (Kewa) in New Mexico and identify as a Pueblo and Navajo cisgender woman. I am honored to join Give Us the Floor this year as the first New Mexico Youth Ambassador. As an Indigenous youth, I was raised to respect our matriarchs and Two-Spirited relatives, who have long served as leaders, teachers, and healers in our communities. I decided to take on the role of New Mexico Youth Ambassador as I believe Queer and Transgender youth are a vital source of hope and inspiration, and it is essential to support their growth and mental health as they face significant risks of oppression and violence. By empowering and advocating, we help ensure they become the future leaders, organizers, and sources of hope our communities need. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in my community, running, reading, listening to music, and painting.

Image Description: Jolene “Jo” Tsinnijinnie stands in front of a lush green background. She is wearing a black shirt with a gold and green stone necklace, along with green stone dangling earrings.

Want to partner with Jo on helping Give Us The Floor reach and support more 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in distress in New Mexico, our would you like to invite her to speak at an upcoming local event? Send us a message