Kayla Tanaid (she/her/hers) currently serves as the Native American Program Coordinator. As the Native American Program Coordinator, she serves UNLV’s Native American and Indigenous student communities and is responsible for creating programs, facilitating student workshops, and providing resources with the goal of affirming, educating, and empowering students. Kayla is also responsible for advocating with and for Native and Indigenous students while addressing the needs of Native students through intentional and collaborative efforts and advocacy.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Audiology & Speech-Language Sciences with a minor in Communication Studies, and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado (UNCo). Prior to this role, Kayla worked at the Native American Student Services at UNCo for 3.5 years. Her research passions include the Native student experience, first-generation students, along with the Hawai’i student experience. Kayla was born and raised in Hawai’i, on the island of O’ahu.