Dr. Erica Ben
Project Expert,
First Peoples Native Center
Yá’át’ééh.
Shí éí Dr. Erica Ben yinishyé.
Kinyaa’áanii nishłį́. Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii bashishchiin. Tótsohnii dashicheii. Bit’ahnii
dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́. Ahééháshį́į́h (California) kééhasht’į́.
Tsééhílį́ (Tsaile, AZ) déé’ naashá. Ahéhee’.
Dr. Erica Ben is a Diné (Navajo) educator, administrator, and community advocate dedicated
to advancing Native student success, educational equity, and culturally responsive
programs. Born and raised on the Navajo Nation, Dr. Ben brings both lived experience
and extensive higher education and nonprofit leadership experience to her role as
a Project Expert with the First Peoples Native Center at Mt. San Antonio College.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration with a minor in Native American Studies, an MBA, and a doctoral degree.
Her professional experience spans higher education, Native-serving organizations,
program development, student support, nonprofit development, and community engagement.
She is passionate about creating pathways that strengthen Native students’ sense of
belonging, academic achievement, leadership, and connection to culture and community.
