LUPE SIMS
Summary
Accomplished Indigenous lens consultant known for offering valuable insights and strategic solutions in support of diverse and marginalized groups. Expertise in utilizing Tribal methodologies and Truth Telling through a cultural lens, effectively interrupting systemic oppression. Dedicated to empowering Tribal nations to protect Tribal sovereignty and fostering equitable practices among Native Nations, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities and their allies.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Tribal Affairs Consultant
Oregon Department of Human Services - ODDS
05.2024 - Current
- Implement culturally responsive Tribal lens strategies and methodologies to support the ODHS Equity North Star and K Plan initiatives adhering to the ODHS Tribal Consultation Policy across ODDS services for individuals who experience Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Oregon, ensuring the upholding of Tribal sovereignty
- Provide Tribal consultation on ODHS policies impacting the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, communities, and all Tribal citizens residing on and off Tribal reservations within the state
- Address and integrate Tribal voice through equitable relationship engagement initiatives, utilizing intentional collaboration efforts across multiple ODDS and ODHS entities, including but not limited to Executive Leadership, Case Management Entities, DD Foster Care Licensing Unit, Learning and Development, Quality Assurance, Public Affairs, Oregon Office of Equity and Multicultural Services, Eligibility, Department of Justice, Contracts and Procurement, Office of Tribal Affairs, Child Welfare, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon County Health Services
- Engage directly in Tribal affairs with in-person representation alongside the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, Tribal government officials, administration, Tribal service providers, and ODDS Tribal partners on various ODDS development projects and state policy
- Provide Tribal Lens Engagement Professional Development lectures on the historic and cultural significance of Tribal historicity affecting the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, ODDS Tribal I/DD, Tribal citizens residing in Oregon, to varied units across state agency, including ODDS Executive Leadership
- Provide Tribal lens consultation, collaboration, and inclusive editing contributions to ODHS/ODDS culturally related projects, directly impacting the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, Tribal I/DD, families, communities, and Tribal Partners
- Implement culturally responsive Tribal lens strategies and methodologies to support the ODHS Equity North Star and K Plan initiatives adhering to the ODHS Tribal Consultation Policy across ODDS services for individuals who experience Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Oregon, ensuring the upholding of Tribal sovereignty:
- American Rescue Plan Act Grant Funding Project - the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon
- ODDS/APD Tribal Navigator Program
- ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs Writing Style Guide
- ODDS Tribal Consultation Critical Event Assessment Tool
- ODHS Child Welfare Basic Guide - ICWA
- ODDS Self Advocate Guide
- ODHS Provider Enrollment Maintenance System and Case Management Entity Program
- Appointed as an interview panelist to ensure racial and cultural inclusion, leveraging my expertise to promote diversity and equitable hiring practices
Indigenous Historical Trauma/Professional Development Consultant/Tribal Liaison
Self-employed
08.2019 - Current
- Indigenous/Tribal engagement consultation, professional development that embodies culturally responsive curricula that interrupts systemic oppression within First Nations communities and supports the protection of cultural sovereignty within institutions of allyship
- Conduct workshops, programming and keynote for small and large groups of educators, for profit and non-profit professionals, volunteers, mentors, and youth from toddler to collegiate
- Tribal liaison facilitation between client and Tribal communities to advocate cultural belonging practices within communal and systematic infrastructures
- Indigenous wellness pedagogy instruction to leadership, educators, administrators, families, and students within the Oregon counties of Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Basin
- Research, data analysis, and program development specific to bias, and culturally responsive practices that attributes to interpersonal equity practices for Indigenous youth and families within educational systems
- Facilitated collaboration between the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon and Southern Oregon University in coordination with government and community partners, managed financial budgeting, and advised on and implemented culturally appropriate methodologies and practices
Temporary Office Specialist - Graduate Studies
Southern Oregon University
12.2022 - 03.2023
- Administered administrative support to Associate Provost and Director of Graduate Studies, and Dean of Social sciences, faculty, and students in the facilitation of confidential database and student communication management, enrollment applications, student records review and processing, and varied clerical office assistant duties
- Direct student customer service to enrolled and attending students progressing through undergraduate and graduate programs regarding campus procedures, program(s)/university information and faculty inquiries, student and campus health support i.e
- Health, inclusion, safety, and aid as required by university, Oregon laws, district policies, and university administrative regulations
Temporary Office Specialist - Social Sciences
Southern Oregon University
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Administered administrative support to Associate Provost and Director of Graduate Studies, and Dean of Social sciences, faculty, and students in the facilitation of confidential database and student communication management, enrollment applications, student records review and processing, and varied clerical office assistant duties
- Direct student customer service to enrolled and attending students progressing through undergraduate and graduate programs regarding campus procedures, program(s)/university information and faculty inquiries, student and campus health support i.e
- Health, inclusion, safety, and aid as required by university, Oregon laws, district policies, and university administrative regulations
AmeriCorps - Equity and Empowerment Corp Program Coordinator, LEAD
Southern Oregon University
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Mentorship program coordination for Ashland School District high school and SOU university students in the exploration of higher education and other learning opportunities towards ongoing leadership, student success, and maintained mentorship
- Conferred with parents or guardians, faculty, administrators, and students to discuss student progress, and success with academic resource needs
- Maintained accurate and complete confidential student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
- Student success curricula development for high school students educational career planning towards higher education
- Student crisis intervention support to LEAD high school students and participating families utilizing Oregon mandatory reporting procedures and policies as required
PEAK Student - Marketing Specialist, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Southern Oregon University
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Assisted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director with research, analysis, database management, planning, and development of implementing Title IX, and Diversity Advocate training programs
- Organized, developed, and edited Southern Oregon University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy and database management for equitable hiring, onboarding, and inclusive retention procedures
- Prepared agendas, calendar and venue scheduling, and catering for various faculty and employee administrative committees, student clubs and campus activities
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Family Solutions
03.2013 - 09.2014
- Prepared, assessed, and or managed applicant and or employee confidential records procedures in recruitment, hiring, termination, benefits, required training, transfers, payroll, and promotions utilizing management system software
- Selected qualified job applicants and hiring recommendations based on acquired information from applicants, law enforcement officials, previous employers, and other references to determine employment eligibility
- Conferred with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures
- Maintained current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action guidelines and laws
Education
Master - Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology and Native American Studies
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR06.2015
Certificate - Native American Studies
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR06.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Rogue Community College
Ashland, OR06.2008
Skills
- Subject matter expert
- Culturally responsive relationship building
- Individual, family, and Tribal self-determine focused
- Organized
- Ambitious
- Team leadership & development
- Strategic planning
- Project leadership
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Transparency
- Public speaking
Professional Contributions
- Tribal Lens and Engagement Professional Development, Lecture, ODHS, and Southern Oregon Education Service District, 11/23 - 11/24
- American Rescue Plan Act Grants with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon, ODHS, 12/24
Community Service
- Council Member, Ashland Community Health Foundation, Ashland, OR
- Member, Northern California Tribal Court Coalition
- Southern Oregon University, Member, Native American Advisory Council
- Southern Oregon university, Coordinator, Indigenous People's Day, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016,
- Southern Oregon University, Petitioner, Indigenous People's Day policy recognition, 06/17,
- City of Ashland, Petitioner, Indigenous People's Day policy recognition, 08/17
- Southern Oregon University, Member, Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Committee, 2016, 2017
- Participant, Diversity and Inclusion Title IX Training, 05/16
- Participant, Diversity Advocate Training, 05/16
- Member, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Committee, Ashland, OR, 2016, 2017
Professional Development
- The Klamath Tribes: Elders Forum, 06/24
- ODHS - OTA - LDU - Tribal 101, 09/24
- ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs - 2024 State ICWA Conference, 10/24
- ODE - Module 1 - SB 13 Tribal History Shared History, Professional Development Course, 06/24
- ODE - Module 2 - SB 13 Tribal History Shared History, Professional Development Course, 11/24
- ODHS - SSP/CW - Introduction to ICWA, 11/24
- ODHSOHA - Boarding School Legacies for People of Color, Professional Development Course, 11/24
- ODHS OEMS - 2024 State of Oregon Data Equity Summit, 11/24
Timeline
Tribal Affairs Consultant
Oregon Department of Human Services - ODDS
05.2024 - Current
Temporary Office Specialist - Graduate Studies
Southern Oregon University
12.2022 - 03.2023
Indigenous Historical Trauma/Professional Development Consultant/Tribal Liaison
Self-employed
08.2019 - Current
Temporary Office Specialist - Social Sciences
Southern Oregon University
09.2017 - 12.2017
AmeriCorps - Equity and Empowerment Corp Program Coordinator, LEAD
Southern Oregon University
08.2016 - 06.2017
PEAK Student - Marketing Specialist, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Southern Oregon University
01.2016 - 06.2016
Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Family Solutions
03.2013 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Southern Oregon University
Certificate - Native American Studies
Southern Oregon University
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Rogue Community College
Master - Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology and Native American Studies
Southern Oregon University
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