Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2023, including Ann Marie Chischilly, vice president of Native American Initiatives at Northern Arizona University (NAU). In celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2023 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2023 dinner and reception.

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The Most Influential Women for 2023 will be honored at a reception on Thursday, August 17 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email Lynette.Carrington@azbigmedia.com or click here. To buy tickets, click here.

Ann Marie Chischilly, vice president of Native American Initiatives, Northern Arizona University (NAU)

BACKGROUND: Ann Marie Chischilly is the vice president of Native American Initiatives at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and as senior assistant general counsel to the Gila River Indian Community. She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné).

CAREER PATH INSPIRATION: “I am inspired by my matriarchs: mother (Marie) and grandmothers (Katherine and Stella). All of them are/were leaders, serving our family and those who needed them. Learning from them inspired my work throughout my career. When I need inspiration and courage, I think about them, and they give me strength to move through life.”

SOURCE OF PRIDE: “Thanks to the support of our partners, NAU will launch exceptional programs and initiatives to deliver on the university’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples and serve as a model for others throughout the country. I also look fondly on my service with the Gila River Indian Community and securing their Water Settlement in 2007. I am a Water Protector — I live my life protecting our Mother Earth.”

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: “I have an incredible network of friends and colleagues who have walked through my journey with me. All of them have, and continue, to work hard with me for our next seven generations. To them, I give gratitude.”

SURPRISING FACT: “I love to travel and would like to visit as many countries as I can, and all the continents in my lifetime. Even with all I’ve had the honor of doing, my greatest joy and accomplishment is raising my young Warrior!”