ZUNI, N.M. (June 8, 2026) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project has welcomed Janessa Bowekaty-Harker as its new youth development coordinator, continuing the organization’s commitment to developing local leadership and supporting Zuni youth. Bowekaty-Harker officially joined the nonprofit’s staff on April 27 and worked closely with her predecessor, Kiara “Kiki” Zunie, prior to her departure.
As youth development coordinator, Bowekaty-Harker will oversee and support flagship ZYEP programs such as Summer Camp, the Delapna:we Project, the Rooted in Healthy Traditions after-school program, and the in-school programs held in partnership with Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School and Zuni Middle School. The role has special significance for her, as she began her own ZYEP journey as a Summer Camp counselor 10 years ago.
In addition to working as a counselor from 2016 to 2019, Bowekaty-Harker also has served as a food sovereignty intern specializing in nutrition, an administrative assistant and a community coach in the annual ZYEP Flag Football League. Since then, she also has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Native American studies — with a particular concentration in learning in Indigenous communities.
“Janessa’s journey reflects what we hope to see for young people in our community,” said Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho. “She grew up here, pursued higher education, stayed connected and has returned to serve the next generation. She understands our youth, our families and our community, and we’re excited to see the strengths and ideas she brings to this role.”
“ZYEP was a great resource for me,” Bowekaty-Harker said. “With their help, I started supporting myself. As a young person, it was important to learn how to manage money and prioritize needs.”
She also credits the nonprofit’s strengths-based approach for creating opportunities for people of all ages with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds.
“Kids learn that they all have a place in our community, here in our home,” she said. “At ZYEP, they can have fun and flourish together.”
Since her April arrival, Bowekaty-Harker has been shadowing teammates, tackling more daily tasks and becoming more familiar with current programs. She said she’s especially eager to see all the behind-the-scenes Summer Camp preparations and systems she didn’t see as a counselor.
“I am thankful that Kiki was here to help, show me the ropes and provide guidance,” she said. “I really commend her and Rani Yamutewa, our youth development leader, for helping me during the transition.”
Kiki Zunie left ZYEP in late May so she can pursue her master’s degree in social work at Northern Arizona University. According to Natachu-Eriacho, her influence on the youth project will endure.
“Kiki is such a gem, someone who has so much influence in the most gracious way,” she said. “When Kiki let us know about her future endeavors, I couldn’t even be upset. She’s going off to do more amazing things in this world, and ZYEP is so blessed to have been a part of her journey.”
Natachu-Eriacho said she first met Zunie when she herself was serving in the youth development coordinator role. At the time, Zunie was a lead counselor at Summer Camp.
“I remember thinking, this is such a great young person,” she recalled. “Once Kiki joined our staff, she became someone I relied heavily on. She always demonstrated and centered what we call the ZYEP Way. Her authenticity, her work ethic and her genuine care for people are admirable.”
Over the years, Zunie helped coordinate critical elements of programming while mentoring younger staff members and helping strengthen systems that support the nonprofit’s work. Natachu-Eriacho said she helped lay the foundation for all future leaders.
“When you set up the next leaders for sustainable success and give them space to grow into their own potential, that is the strongest characteristic of a leader,” she explained.
Now it is Bowekaty-Harker’s turn to take the reins. With the start of Summer Camp rapidly approaching on June 22, she’s working closely with Operations Manager Josh Kudrna and Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa, and next year, she said she’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
“I’m so proud of ZYEP,” she reflected. “The way they’ve built onto the original Summer Camp that started in 2009 — there are so many things here that didn’t exist when I was a counselor.
“And as I get more deeply involved, I see how Native American studies, social work and education all come together in this place. They’re not separate pieces. They’re all part of helping our community live and breathe.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. To stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09).
