Dr. Pearl Yellowman Biography
Pearl Yellowman is a member of the Navajo Nation.
Pearl Yellowman was recently selected as the Vice-President College Operations, of the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. Pearl oversees all campus operations, including the Budget and Accounting Department, Facilities and Maintenance Department, IT Department and Safety and Security, Pearl is currently planning and developing the Summer Bridge Program and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.
Pearl was previously appointed by Navajo Nation President Johnathan Nez and Vice-President Myron Lizer on January 15, 2019 as the Executive Director of the Division of Community Development. The Division of Community Development is comprised of the Capital Project Management Department, which has the responsibility and authority to oversee all Residential and Commercial Capital Outlay projects on behalf of the Navajo Nation. The Community Housing Infrastructure Department which has the responsibility and authority to advance Housing, Housing Renovations and Maintenance for residential housing throughout the Navajo Nation. The Administrative Service Department which has the responsibility and authority to provide technically support and administrative provisions to the 110 Navajo Nation Chapter Governances. Lastly, the DCD includes Rural Addressing Authority which is responsible for addressing the Navajo Nation. As Executive Director and Cabinet member, Pearl advises President Jonathan Nez on policy matters and fiduciary concerns impacting the Navajo people.
Most recently, Pearl was tasked to mobilize and coordinate the American Rescue Plan Act Team for the Navajo Nation. This task involved coordination between the Legislative Branch, Judicial Branch and Executive Branch of the Navajo Nation, along with State and Federal entities.
In 2019, Pearl was recommended by President Nez and selected by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham to serve on the New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Board.
Pearl’s recent appointment to serve as Cabinet member for the Nez/Lizer administration has provided her with opportunities to negotiate policy positions for the best interest of the population served. Pearl exercised advocacy, eloquence and articulation when strengthening partnership with Tribal, State and Federal entities.
Most importantly, this appointment has made Pearl aware of the inequities of daily infrastructure and basic needs to the Navajo people. This position has allowed for better understanding in delivering Infrastructure such as Water, Electricity, Housing and Road Improvements to the Navajo people. Further, this appointment provided her with the platform to advocate for equality in Education, Health, Housing and Employment for the Navajo people.
Pearl is a long-time lead trainer for the United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc. Organization, facilitating Community Development, Youth Leadership and Advisor Trainings throughout Indian Country. Pearl also incorporates previous experience as a School Counselor and Residential Treatment Center Counselor in all trainings.
Pearl earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, a second Master’s Degree in Counseling Education and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from University of Montana, in the Educational Leadership program focusing on Leadership and Higher Education. Pearl is a mother of three young adults, Mylan, Megan and Mikayla. Pearl resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her traditional teachings include the Ho’zho’ which translates into the Navajo Beauty Way.