This page recognizes the Native American Women of Arizona whose names are etched on The Women's Plaza of Honor. The plaza celebrates women who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s history or enriched the lives of others. It allows University of Arizona alumni, employees, students, and the community to honor these outstanding women.
For more information, see the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Upcoming Event: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11a.m.
University of Arizona to Honor Cocopah Tribe Chairwoman Sherry Cordova at Women’s Plaza of Honor
TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Office of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement will host a name dedication ceremony honoring Sherry Cordova, Chairwoman of the Cocopah Tribe, at the Women's Plaza of Honor on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Chairwoman Cordova is being recognized for more than 45 consecutive years of service to her community. She has played a critical role in advancing tribal sovereignty and strengthening opportunity for her people and Tribal Nations across Arizona.
“We are honored to recognize Chairwoman Cordova at the Women’s Plaza of Honor,” said Levi Esquerra, Special Advisor, Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement, Office of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement at the University of Arizona. “This recognition reflects her extraordinary dedication to her people and the enduring impact of her leadership. The university is proud to celebrate her legacy and reaffirm our commitment to strong and respectful partnerships with Native Nations.”
The Women’s Plaza of Honor recognizes women whose leadership, courage and commitment have made lasting impacts in Arizona and beyond. The ceremony underscores the university’s continued commitment to supporting Native student success, advancing Indigenous scholarship and strengthening government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.
“Chairwoman Sherry Cordova’s recognition at the Women’s Plaza of Honor is a well-deserved tribute to more than 45 consecutive years of leadership and service to the Cocopah Tribe,” said Judy Ferreira, executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. “As one of the longest-serving elected Tribal officials in the nation, she has been instrumental in some of the most pivotal moments in modern Tribal history.”
The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact tribalengagement@arizona.edu.
Read Press Release:
Native American Women in Arizona
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Cocopah Indian Tribe
Colorado River Indian Tribe
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
Gila River Indian Community
Havasupai Tribe
Hopi Tribe
Hualapai Tribe
Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians
Navajo Nation
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe
Salt River Pima Maricopa
San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
Tohono O’odham Nation
Tonto Apache Tribe
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Yavapai- Apache Nation
Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe
Zuni Tribe
Dr. Karletta Chief Receives Distinguished Outreach Award
Karletta Chief, PhD, MS, associate professor and extension specialist in the University of Arizona Department of Environmental Science at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and associate professor in the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health in the Community, Environment and Policy Department, received the University of Arizona Distinguished Outreach Faculty Award for 2021. The award recognizes faculty who have made outstanding contributions to outreach at the University of Arizona, in the State of Arizona and the nation.
Dr. Chief also will be awarded a personalized bench in the Women’s Plaza of Honor in recognition of her leadership and scholarship at UArizona. Much of Dr. Chief’s outreach is focused on environmental justice in Native American and Indigenous communities.
