NICOA announces Desiree Lapahie as New Programs Director

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2024

Contact: Xavier Dominguez
Community Engagement Specialist
505-292-2001
[email protected]

NICOA announces Desiree Lapahie as New Programs Director

Albuquerque, New Mexico — The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. is proud to announce Desiree Lapahie as the new Programs Director. Ms. Lapahie will oversee NICOA’s active grants, as well as curate and support relationships with current and future partners across Indian Country.

Ms. Lapahie is from the Navajo Nation and brings a wealth of experience advocating for elder issues, having been a caregiver to her Masani. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in business management from the University of New Mexico. During her time as a caregiver on the Navajo reservation, she saw the lack of Native perspectives for American Indian and Alaska Native people with Alzheimer’s, which became a cornerstone of her work in the aging network.

Ms. Lapahie previously served as Data Analyst with NICOA advocating for AI/AN elder issues. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in updating the “Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities Toolkit Guide (2023)” from the National Council on Disability. This guide is designed to help bridge the gaps between service providers and AI/AN communities, provide resources, and raise awareness for those living with disabilities.

Join us in welcoming Desiree Lapahie to the team and in her new role.

Cutline: The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. welcomes Ms. Lapahie as the Programs Director.

Contact: Xavier Dominguez ([email protected]) for photo.

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About the National Indian Council on Aging 

Founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association who called for a national organization focused on aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders, NICOA’s mission is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native elders. For more information, go to www.nicoa.org.