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Melissa Bonney is of the Biszaha Clan and resides in the community of Hondah with her husband and sons. Her journey to complete her bachelor's degree began in the 1990's, with this unsuccessful attempt due to other life obligations, she decided to focus on establishing her family. She began again the fall of 2010 through fall 2012, but with work and family situations she concluded that attempt. With her youngest son completing high school in May of 2025 she decided this is the best time to fully focus on her educational goal, with only 2 courses needed to be completed she enrolled in the fall semester of 2025 to complete her degree.
As a "non-traditional" student in her 50's, she excelled in some areas and struggled in others; with the assistance from tutors she was able to overcome those struggles. She said "it was not easy, with much maturity, my studies were a priority and I often was hard on myself but with the support of my family I received the encouragement to keep pushing myself." Her daughter holds two bachelor degrees from Arizona State University 2015 and would give her the very same encouraging words she would give her while she was in college. Melissa, converted one of the rooms in her home as a study space so she could read and do work through the weekend, her family had to "block" all family events the entire Fall semester so she could focus on her studies.
Through the scholarships received from NAU Jacks on Track, NAU Department Scholarship and the Native Women Scholars program she was able to pay her educational expenses in full; she is much appreciative of these programs for helping her complete this life goal. Melissa is a proud holder of a Bachelor's degree, in Interdisciplinary Studies 90-30, Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, proud graduate Class of 2025.
Melissa is currently looking into master's programs but has not yet made a decision.
What We're About
THE VISION
Above Picture: Co-founder of Native Women Scholars (NWS) and Board President Marty LaMar welcomed the crowd to “An Evening of Apache Culture,”
held at Mountain Meadow’s Recreation Complex in Lakeside on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
In 2012, Ron and I wanted to do something that would make a difference. Since we were both retired educators, we believed education was the key for helping Native women realize their dreams. We were fortunate to meet some young women who not only wanted to make a difference in their own lives but in their Community as well. We began with giving one scholarship that first academic year and after 12 academic years NWS has helped 60 Native women. That first scholarship recipient graduated and now her sister has been a NWS scholar for the past three years. Some others who have received scholarships this year are also family members of past scholars. Ron is no longer with us, but one thing has not changed. Native Women Scholars, Inc. continues to strive to use almost every dollar contributed for scholarships. It is a privilege and a pleasure for all of us involved with this scholarship program to know our recipients, to cheer for them and to share in their accomplishments!
-- Marty LaMar, Board President and Co-Founder
MAKING NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN'S COLLEGE DREAMS COME TRUE
Native Women Scholars has given out $300,000 in scholarships over the last 12 years. Many of the women we have supported have graduated from colleges and universities with honors, including summa cum laude. A number of women have returned to the reservation and taken important positions in fields such as education and health.
One thing that makes the program successful is that our volunteers stay in contact with the students and help them through the trials and tribulations of being away from home, and coping with the challenges that can interfere with earning a degree.
Above Video:
2019 March Compassion Speaks Host Ezra Borrego interviews Co-founder Marty LaMar of Native Womens Scholars Inc.
Above Picture: NWS Founders Ron & Marty LaMar in front of mural painted by Derayna DeClay scholarship recipient. Mural painted for Alchesay High School, Whiteriver, AZ. Derayna graduated 2019 from Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM.
Native Women Scholars, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation dedicated to providing opportunities for Native American women to reach for their dreams through scholarships to institutions of higher learning. Since its founding, NWS has also been dedicated to being more than an organization providing money for scholarships. The NWS board and volunteers work toward keeping in communication with the students and providing additional support. We believe too that educating young women can have a lasting positive effect on the communities to which they return after their schooling.
Every dollar we receive goes toward our scholarships, as our Board of Directors support all expenses. If you would like to be a part of this endeavor, please contact us. There are so many deserving young women in need of support.