Dr. Ponka-We Victors-Cozad is Director of Policy & Advocacy for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. She is from the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona and Ponca tribe of Oklahoma. Dr. Victors-Cozad earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from Newman University, a graduate degree in Public Administration from Wichita State University, and a doctoral degree in Education from Creighton University.

She was the first Native American woman to serve in the Kansas Legislature and served 12 years in the Kansas House of Representatives. Dr. Victors-Cozad has been honored with various achievements and awards like the 20 under 40 award from the Council of State Governments and the Leadership for Public Purpose award from Creighton University. When she is not busy, she loves to spend time with her family and travel throughout Indian country attending various tribal events and celebrations.