Naqmayam Communications

Dr. Joely Proudfit, a Luiseño/Payómkawichum and Tongva scholar, is a national leader in American Indian education, equity, and representation with over three decades of experience. As Department Chair of American Indian Studies and Director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at CSU San Marcos, she has transformed Indigenous education through innovative research, including groundbreaking annual reports on Native American education in California.
A thrice-tenured full professor in the CSU system, Dr. Proudfit co-edits a 10-book series on Indigenous education across U.S. regions while simultaneously leading transformative initiatives in media and marketing. As founder of Native Media Strategies and Naqmayam Communications (NaqCom), she champions authentic Indigenous representation, working with major networks including BBC, PBS, National Geographic, ABC/DISNEY, and Netflix. Her recent work on "Spirit Rangers" earned 7 Emmy nominations, exemplifying her commitment to authentic storytelling.
Dr. Proudfit's influence extends into policy and advocacy. President Obama appointed her to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education in 2016, and in 2021, she became the first Indigenous woman appointed to California's Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by Governor Newsom. She serves as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party and is a founding member of California Indian Education for All (CIEFA).
Her groundbreaking work has earned numerous accolades, including the 2013 American Indian Educator of the Year, 2022 Variety Magazine Educator of the Year, 2024 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Educator of the Year, and the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Award for Outstanding Public Service. With a Ph.D. in political science and expertise in culturally informed marketing strategies, Dr. Proudfit continues to shape policy, education, and media representation, driving systemic change through strategic communication and community empowerment.