Raquel Elaine Aviles, a proud member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, has served Native Seeds/SEARCH as a board member and then as a board’s chairperson. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and behavioral health systems, organizational development, prevention and wellness programs within the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Indigenous communities. She has held leadership roles in participatory research, human resources and community-driven initiatives, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge, cultural competency and sovereignty remain central to program implementation.
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, she is dedicated to preserving and promoting the food and farming traditions of the Southwest, ensuring that arid-adapted crops continue to nourish communities and sustain biodiversity. A lifelong advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty and sustainability, Raquel works to expand Native Seeds/SEARCH’s impact through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and fundraising efforts. She holds a Master of Healthcare Innovation and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Organizational Studies from Arizona State University. Through her leadership and with her team, Native Seeds/SEARCH continues to honor the ancestral knowledge of Indigenous seed keepers, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower communities to cultivate a resilient future.