Nizhóní Begay, 26, is a scholar, role model, and philanthropist from the Navajo Nation. Being the only Indigenous student at her high school, Nizhoni often felt intimidated by the absence of Indigenous representation in higher education and frustrated by the lack of available pathways to Native students. Inspired by her own experience, Nizhóní graduated from Stanford and is now leveraging her knowledge and experience to create a path for Native American students to thrive. Already, Nizhoni’s program is bringing confidence and college readiness to students across Indian Country.
Nizhoni’s Dreamstarter Project “Pathways: College Readiness and Career Exploration for Native Youth” is making a big impact on Native students, from inspiring middle and high schoolers to supporting college transfer students. As grants and events manager at the Lindy Waters III Foundation, Nizhoni is using her connections to maximize her reach and impact. So far, she’s created engaging online and digital resources to support and encourage students, as well as facilitated in-person events by integrating college prep support into two core programs hosted by the Lindy Waters III Foundation. A major success of her program has been providing professional headshots to students during these events. Having professional-grade photos taken not only boosted the students’ confidence, it is also sure to set them apart as they apply for colleges and careers.
In November 2025, Nizhoni’s Pathways project was able to host 60 Native students and their families for a college tour to Oklahoma State University. Along with a tour of the college and facilities, students and families got to experience lunch on campus, and attend a college-level basketball game, showing students what’s in store for them with both academic and campus life. With one successful college tour complete, Nizhoni is excited to bring more students into her programming and is planning an additional tour to her alma mater, Stanford, next fall.
With more than 125 students already served through Nizhoni’s Dreamstarter Project, we are inspired by the impact and support the “Pathways” project and the Lindy Waters III Foundation are making with Native students. We are excited to support the next college tour, and even more excited to see the first of her Pathways students graduate.
Inspired by Nizhoni’s journey? Follow along for more stories from our Dreamstarter program and learn how Running Strong continues to support Native changemakers across Indian Country.
USC College Visit with Lindy Waters III Foundation
2025 Dreamstarter Nizhoni Begay is excited to host Native high school students for a special day at the University of Southern California! This experience is designed to help students explore campus life, connect with other Native youth, and gain insight from current USC students and industry leaders.
📅Friday, February 13
📍University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA
Now Accepting Applications: College Prep Cohort USC Visit
Spots are limited — students must apply to participate.
