Emeli Hernandez’s journey is one of determination and vision. Growing up with clear aspirations, she set her sights on education, not just for personal achievement but also to uplift her community. Her heritage, rooted in the White Mountain Apache Tribe and Mexican cultures, instilled her strong sense of identity and desire to make a meaningful impact. 

She grew up on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation located in Eastern Arizona as a member of the tribe, and on her grandparent’s ranch in Chihuahua Mexico. Her mother, a full-blooded White Mountain Apache tribal member, has land utilized to grow crops and owns cattle with the Carrizo Livestock Association. Ms. Hernandez’s father comes from a-long-line of Mexican Ranchers who have raised cattle and planted crops. He is one of the best dryland farmers on the reservation.  

Emeli comes from a family deeply involved in the western lifestyle and outdoorsmanship such as hunting, fishing, ranching, and rodeo.

emeli@grazinglands.org