The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization that awards individual scholarships to full time, enrolled tribal members of any tribe across the United States, and/or full time non-native students from the Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin. It was established in honor of Theresa Mike’s legacy and dreams and honors commitment to developing a sense of cultural richness, history and future for the people of her tribe. Since it was created, the Foundation has awarded more than $800,000 to help deserving scholars fund their educational dreams.
Theresa A. Mike was born to Dean and Theresa Mike on January 7, 1974 in Palm Springs California. She was the 4th child of 7 siblings of Dean and Theresa Mike’s household. Theresa was an enrolled member of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians located in Coachella, California, and a descendant from the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington. She was raised in Bellingham, Washington for most of her young life. There she graduated from Bellingham High School in 1992.
On June 13, 1997 she gave birth to her one and only child whom she named after a family member. Theresa unexpectedly passed at the age of 23, leaving behind her 3 month old infant daughter.
Turning their daughter’s tragedy into a positive, the Mike family created the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship honors Theresa’s presence among us a young woman and mother. It honors her commitment to developing a sense of cultural richness, history and future for the people of her Tribe.
This foundation is helping the lives of those in need in her name. That is comfort for the family who love and miss her every day.
PRESIDENT
Dean is the former Chairman and current council member of The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “I am honored to be President and Cofounder of this specific memorial foundation in remembrance of my late daughter. To be able to help support students on their educational journey is an honor”
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER
Theresa is the Founding member of the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship, established 1998.
“Our scholarship has created partnerships in an effort to elevate grant amounts. Supplemental funding helps students to focus on their educational goals. Our foundation hopes to expand our partnerships and support our future leaders”
TREASURER
Robert is currently the Treasurer for Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation. Robert has been an active board member since 2015. Robert, enjoys being part of the Foundation as it offers opportunities that have afforded many of the scholarship recipients TAMSF have supported over the years. He added that it is his wish that scho
TREASURER
Robert is currently the Treasurer for Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation. Robert has been an active board member since 2015. Robert, enjoys being part of the Foundation as it offers opportunities that have afforded many of the scholarship recipients TAMSF have supported over the years. He added that it is his wish that scholarship recipients demonstrate courage and perseverance during their academic journey. That the obstacles and challenges that they have met, make them good citizens, and allow them to return to their respective communities and apply all the skills and knowledge they have gained along the way to earning their respective degree. He continued, that it is an honor and privilege to be a part of TAMSF and looks forward to being a part of this wonderful foundation for many years to come.
VICE PRESIDENT
Leanna Thomas is from the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington with Dutch/Indonesian descent. She has served as Vice President of The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since its inception in August 2014. Leanna worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman for 20 years at Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indian
VICE PRESIDENT
Leanna Thomas is from the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington with Dutch/Indonesian descent. She has served as Vice President of The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since its inception in August 2014. Leanna worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman for 20 years at Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and has since worked in the mortgage industry. The Foundation is very personal for Leanna, as it is named after her late cousin. Leanna described Theresa A. Mike as a very assertive and driven woman and mentioned that it is important for her to represent Theresa A. Mike and the foundation with respect and honor. Adding, that all the students who have benefited from the organization have given the family motivation to continue to help further education for those who are passionate in pursuing a higher education. Leanna loves spending time with her family especially with her son, and loves traveling and getting to know new people.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Makeyli was born in Guerrero, Mexico and later migrated with her parents to the United States when she was a child. Makeyli has been involved with the foundation since 2017 when she started assisting TAMSF with scholarship applications. In 2019, she became a board member and later in 2021, she was offered the Executive
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Makeyli was born in Guerrero, Mexico and later migrated with her parents to the United States when she was a child. Makeyli has been involved with the foundation since 2017 when she started assisting TAMSF with scholarship applications. In 2019, she became a board member and later in 2021, she was offered the Executive Director position. She adds that it is an honor for her to be part of this foundation and that she is thankful to the Mike family and the prestigious Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation for believing in her. Moreover, she stated that being part of the foundation has encouraged her to continue her education. Interacting with family and friends is very important to her as she considers it to be essential for mental health and stress reliever.
SECRETARY
Anna was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA., Anna is Mexican/American as her parents are originally from Mexicali, Baja California. Anna is a Financial Professional with Capstone Partners, a full-service financial services firm. Anna officially joined the TAMSF Board in April 2022 and has been involved with TAM ever since they
SECRETARY
Anna was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA., Anna is Mexican/American as her parents are originally from Mexicali, Baja California. Anna is a Financial Professional with Capstone Partners, a full-service financial services firm. Anna officially joined the TAMSF Board in April 2022 and has been involved with TAM ever since they hosted one of the first fashion shows. Anna has volunteered, her children and herself to assist with the planning of the event and has attended every single fashion show since day one. At age 19, Anna began her casino career at Spotlight 29 Casino. She worked her way up the ladder starting from a Count Team Member to Manager of the Cash Cage for 25 years. Two years ago, she made a change to the Financial Services World, and is currently a Financial Professional with a goal of becoming a Financial Advisor. Anna has a passion for helping the brokenhearted. Being able to offer a prayer, hug, or an encouraging word is something that brings her immense joy. She loves to travel and make memories with her adult children.