SUMI NUNGWA
Our Mission
Provide food, clothing, medical supplies, and firewood to Navajo & Hopi elders seeking to maintain their traditional lifestyle on their reservations
Build bridges between cultures
Encourage Hopi & Navajo artists to continue to produce their unique, traditional arts & crafts
Our Passionate People
Robert Marzec
Robert handles the jobs of Controller, Writer, Editor, and keeping Cheryl out of trouble, etc. believe me, that last one is a big job!
He's committed to the elders, managing funds, and ensuring we never miss a food run.
Cheryl Marzec
Guess I'm the one who started this thing. Maybe that's why Robert made me president.
I saw a need and packed some bags with things I knew the elders needed and with Winnie Henry's help started delivering them. Boy were they surprised when we showed up at their doors. That was the beginning.
Joni Glynn
In addition to being on the Board of Directors, Joni is our Development Director.
She also owns BizWear, a local company supplying uniform apparel. Through her company and contacts, Joni has been able to provide much-needed clothing and shoes to our elders and their families.
Dee Setalla
Dee is key to serving our Hopi elders. The Setalla Ranch, where he lives above Keams Canyon in Northern Arizona, is our staging area for food runs and a beautiful place to hold elder events.
He is a traditional Hopi potter and respected by the elders. Without that mutual respect, the elders would not welcome us into their homes and hearts.
Winnie Henry
​Without Winnie, Sumi Nungwa would not be what we are. She is a traditional Navajo elder who lives by Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. Winnie always had a strong desire to help her people.
When Cheryl & Robert approached her years ago about helping the elders, she was the gateway. Because of the elders' trust in her, they allowed us into their homes and hearts.
Barbara Shirley
​​Barbara is passionate about helping her Navajo elders and preserving her culture! She has watched her mother, Winnie Henry, and us for years as we have served the elders. Now she is stepping up and becoming just as key as her mother.
Photos? It's amazing what lengths to which she'll go to avoid having her photo taken.