Brooke Curleyhair

Brooke Curleyhair (Diné) is the Assistant Director of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) at the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) within Arizona State University. In this role, she is dedicated to cultivating and supporting emerging leaders who are committed to serving and strengthening Tribal Nations and their communities. She leads programming and engagement for the Indigenous Leadership Academy, helping to build capacity among professionals and community members through culturally grounded leadership development and collaborative learning experiences that reflect ASU’s charter commitment to inclusion and community impact.

At AIPI, Brooke also contributes to research and policy analysis focused on advancing educational equity and Indigenous self-determination in education. She works to translate complex educational policies into actionable strategies that improve learning outcomes for American Indian students and strengthen the relationships between Tribal Nations and educational institutions. Her work aligns closely with ASU’s mission to measure success by whom the university includes and how they succeed.

Before joining ASU, Brooke served as a Program Coordinator for the Office of Indian Education at the Arizona Department of Education, where she collaborated with Tribal Nations, schools, and community partners to develop initiatives supporting Indigenous students and families. Through capacity building, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, she championed efforts that uplifted Indigenous voices and strengthened educational systems across Arizona. 

With experience spanning K–12 classrooms and higher education, Brooke brings a deep understanding of local, state, and federal education systems. Her background in educational policy informs her advocacy for equitable opportunities that honor Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and community-defined success. Her academic training and lived experience have equipped her with the analytical skills and cultural grounding to identify structural barriers and promote systemic change that fosters Indigenous student success—from early education through postsecondary pathways and into leadership roles that shape the future of their communities.