Meet Ian
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Meet Ian ~
Ian’s background
Ian Teller is a Diné leader from Tsaile, Arizona, of the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water) Clan, born for the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) Clan. His maternal grandfather is of the Mą’íí deeshgizhinii (Coyote Pass) Clan, and his paternal grandfather is of the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together) Clan. He was raised in rural Tsaile, Arizona and is guided by the values of his family, culture, and community.
He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College and an M.S. in Music Industry from the University of Southern California. He is the founder of When Natives Vote, a youth-led initiative focused on increasing civic engagement in Native communities, and serves as Southwestern Representative for the Young Democrats of America Indigenous Caucus.
a champion for change
Ian’s civic engagement work is rooted in empowering communities across Arizona, particularly in Native communities. As a Diné organizer, he has led voter outreach, community education, and grassroots efforts that mobilize young people and expand access to the democratic process.
His work has earned national recognition, including opportunities to meet leaders like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during the 2024 election cycle. Ian has also been named a Champion for Change by the Center for Native American Youth and recognized as part of the United National Indian Tribal Youth 25 Under 25 for his leadership and impact.
Ian believes civic engagement goes beyond elections—it’s about building lasting power, increasing representation, and creating opportunities for future generations to lead.
ian’s Leadership & work
Beyond his civic work, Ian Teller is deeply committed to advancing opportunity through philanthropy. He currently serves as a Development Officer at Diné College, the oldest tribally accredited institution in the nation, where he works to build resources that directly support Native students and strengthen higher education across the Navajo Nation.
Ian Teller has held key leadership roles centered on youth empowerment and civic engagement. He served as Chair of the Youth Advisory Board for the Center for Native American Youth, where he helped guide national initiatives uplifting Native youth voices. He currently serves as the Southwest Representative for the Young Democrats of America Indigenous Caucus, advocating for greater Native representation in political spaces. Through these roles, Ian has led outreach efforts, facilitated workshops, and worked alongside community leaders to expand opportunities for young people to engage and lead.
Ian Teller brings a strong multimedia background to his civic work, using storytelling as a tool for engagement and change. With experience in digital media, content creation, and communications, he has helped translate complex issues into accessible, impactful messages that resonate with young people and Native communities. Whether through video, social media, or campaign strategy, Ian leverages his creative skills to inform, mobilize, and amplify voices that are too often overlooked.
