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 over $1,000,000 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 in 1998.
“Our scholarship has created partnerships in 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 serves as the Treasurer for the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation and has been an active board member since 2015. He values his role with the Foundation, which has provided numerous opportunities to the scholarship recipients it supports. Robert hopes that the students demonstrate courage and perseverance throughou
TREASURER
Robert serves as the Treasurer for the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation and has been an active board member since 2015. He values his role with the Foundation, which has provided numerous opportunities to the scholarship recipients it supports. Robert hopes that the students demonstrate courage and perseverance throughout their academic journeys, believing that overcoming obstacles will help them become effective and engaged citizens. He encourages recipients to apply the skills and knowledge they acquire to benefit their communities upon earning their degrees. Robert considers it an honor and privilege to be part of TAMSF and looks forward to contributing to the Foundation’s mission for many years to come.
VICE PRESIDENT
Leanna Thomas, of the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington, with Dutch and Indonesian heritage, has been the Vice President of the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since its inception in August 2014. She previously served as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman for 20 years at the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Miss
VICE PRESIDENT
Leanna Thomas, of the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, Washington, with Dutch and Indonesian heritage, has been the Vice President of the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since its inception in August 2014. She previously served as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman for 20 years at the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and has since transitioned to the mortgage industry.
The foundation holds a special place in Leanna's heart as it is named after her late cousin, Theresa A. Mike, whom she describes as a strong and determined woman. Leanna is dedicated to honoring Theresa’s legacy and representing both her and the foundation with the utmost respect. She is inspired by the students who have benefited from the foundation's support and is motivated to continue advancing educational opportunities for those passionate about pursuing higher education.
In her personal time, Leanna enjoys spending time with her family, particularly with her son, and loves traveling and meeting new people.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Makeyli was born in Guerrero, Mexico, and migrated to the United States with her parents as a child. She has been actively involved with the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since 2017, initially assisting with scholarship applications. In 2019, she joined the board, and by 2021, she was offered the role of Exec
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Makeyli was born in Guerrero, Mexico, and migrated to the United States with her parents as a child. She has been actively involved with the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation since 2017, initially assisting with scholarship applications. In 2019, she joined the board, and by 2021, she was offered the role of Executive Director. Makeyli expresses deep gratitude to the Mike family and the foundation for their trust in her. Being part of the foundation has inspired her to further her education, leading her to graduate from College of the Desert with an Associate's degree in General Business and continuing to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Makeyli values spending time with family and friends, recognizing it as essential for mental health and stress relief.
SECRETARY
Anna was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA. With her roots in Mexicali, Baja California, she is proud of her Mexican-American heritage. Anna is a Financial Professional with Capstone Partners, a full-service financial services firm. She officially joined the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation (TAMSF) Board in April 2022 bu
SECRETARY
Anna was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA. With her roots in Mexicali, Baja California, she is proud of her Mexican-American heritage. Anna is a Financial Professional with Capstone Partners, a full-service financial services firm. She officially joined the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation (TAMSF) Board in April 2022 but has been involved with TAM since the early days, volunteering her time and enlisting her children to help plan the foundation’s first fashion shows. She has attended every fashion show since its inception.
At 19, Anna began her career at Spotlight 29 Casino, steadily advancing from a Count Team Member to Manager of the Cash Cage over a span of 25 years. Two years ago, she transitioned into the financial services industry, and she is now working as a Financial Professional with the goal of becoming a Financial Advisor.
Anna is passionate about helping those in need, finding immense joy in offering a prayer, a hug, or a word of encouragement to the brokenhearted. She also loves to travel and create memories with her adult children.