Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and an advocate for animals and the environment. Born and raised in Towaoc, she attended school in Cortez and traveled to Montana and Illinois to continue her education. She is currently working on obtaining her masters degree in Environmental Management. Lopez-Whiteskunk is a former co-chairperson of the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilmember. She also served on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. More recently, she was elected to the Montezuma-Cortez School District Board. “I love seeing how individuals reach outside their boundaries and comfort zone,” she said.