Tiffany Calabaza ’12 is one of 11 Native American youth leaders who was honored at the White House Tribal Nations Conference on Thursday, Dec. 1, as a “Champion of Change.” Calabaza was recognized for her efforts to 
bring renewable energy to her hometown of Kewa (formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo), N.M.
Calabaza, an environmental chemistry major, worked with Chemistry Professor Sally Meyer and Kewa tribal members to convert a community windmill into a solar water pumping station. The station will pump ground water more efficiently, allowing livestock and other small wildlife to have a source of drinking water.
The project continues to involve both Colorado College students as well as Kewa tribal members. Calabaza’s goal is to educate her community on renewable energy technologies that will allow cattle to spread evenly throughout the rangelands and avoid overgrazing, thus preventing further damage to the land.
The “Champions of Change” program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different issue is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community activists, are recognized for the work they are doing to better their communities.
I’m from Mexico. One of the major challenges that the Mexican society has is the big differences that exist in the socioeconomic stratus. Many People who live in farms or the mountains doesn’t have access to electrical energy or clean water. One solution could be the organic gas; made of death plants and animal poo.
Keep up with your work!!
As a Native American I am proud to read this article and encourage more young people to get involved in what can make a difference. Our company (native owned) in attempting to offer energy efficient outdoor lighting to Tribes across the USA and Canada. Most of these communities really need the extra money saved and we can actually add many more lights to the communities making it safer for all.
miigwech R Johnson