My name is Sampson Taylor and I am from the Hopi Tribe.  My Hopi name is Dawayesva (Rising Sun) and my traditional clanship is the Paaqapwungwa (Reed Clan).  I grew up in the Village of Kykotsmovi, AZ. I am currently the Housing Services Manager at the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland, OR.  I manage and oversee multiple County-funded housing contracts and programs. This position has direct responsibility for the management and oversight of processes and procedures mandated by various funding agencies regarding client eligibility, client documentation and recordkeeping, approval of disbursements, as well as regular oversight of internal and external client data. In this position, I also manage multiple funding streams, monitor various contract outcomes and requirements, and serve as a strong community and systems change advocate.  The overall goal is to keep people housed and to end homelessness.
On my personal time I am an active runner who uses the form of running for prayer, advocacy and spiritual well-being. I can be found advocating for rights such as MMIW/MMIP, water issues and basic human rights. In addition to those activities, I am also a Race Director for 2 Prestigious Race Events held in Hopi. They are, Louis Tewanima Footrace and Paatuwaqatsi Water Is Life Run. They both focus on the importance of running, culture and Water is Life.