Rafael Tapia

Rafael F. Tapia, Jr., of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, is the Vice President of Programs at Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) serving hundreds of reservation communities in 9 states. PWNA's food and water, emergency relief/response, health, and education services focus on improving the quality of life of Native citizens residing in mostly remote and under-resourced communities. Rafael's experience is concentrated in human, economic, workforce, and community development. He served as the senior advisor to the office of the chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Arizona Department of Commerce Tribal Liaison to the 22 Arizona Indian Tribes, consultant, and is a small business owner. Rafael holds an MBA from the University of Arizona and an Economic Development Certificate from Oklahoma University College.