Shawn Peterson

Shawn is a member of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations tribe of Canada. She is originally from Kirkland, Washington, and currently lives in Seattle with her two young boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Psychology with a minor in Human Rights from the University of Washington Bothell. Her work in the Native community started when she was an undergraduate. She volunteered her time on a campus initiative, Tribal Education Network or T-E-N, that aimed to bring higher education curriculum to Washington state reservations via a distant learning model. She also helped launch a yearly event that brought Native youth from all over Washington state to campus for a day to learn about college and the importance of a higher education. This event continues today. Shawn started working at Na’ah Illahee Fund in 2015. She is currently the Youth Program Manager and runs the youth program, Native Girls Code. Native Girls Code focuses on STEAM learning with a focus on computer coding and technology. Native Girls Code cultivates thinkers, innovators, and designers in ways to use and adapt technology. Shawn is passionate about working with youth and young girls. Her goal is to provide opportunities for them to find their passions and success in life. Shawn believes that it is vital for young Native women to have a healthy and strong Native identity, and it’s at the core of the work she does with Native Girls Code.