Honorary Degree: Esther Tenorio

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Esther Tenorio, an elder of the Pueblo of San Felipe, brings over three decades of experience in behavioral health service system development and implementation, including leadership as Project Director for numerous federal grants and collaborations with diverse community programs. Her professional career has focused on overseeing youth suicide prevention, children’s mental health, and behavioral health/primary care integration initiatives for SAMHSA, complemented by substantial experience in community leadership, facilitation, mediation, and training across parenting, substance abuse, and native supportive services. In addition to these grant initiatives, Ms. Tenorio worked for 22 years at Santa Fe Indian School in Residential Guidance and Behavioral Health, Ms. Tenorio demonstrates a strong integration of lived experience and practical abilities in her sustained commitment to community service. At present, Ms. Tenorio works as a cultural consultant ensuring the coordination of federal grant activities with cultural protocols, such as tribal consultation and traditional/innate modalities. Additionally, she offers guidance for training primary care and behavioral health personnel, which enhances cultural competency and leads to improved patient outcomes.