About Theresa A. Mike

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 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 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 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.