Indigenous leader Marlene Watson, a Navajo from Wide Ruins, Arizona and Tohlakai, New Mexico, was raised in Oakland, California, and she is the first in her family to graduate from a four year institution. With a strong interest in design, engineering, and theology, Watson pursued studies in architecture, engineering and christian ministry. Within an academically competitive environment, she excelled in her studies, and graduated from UC Berkeley with three degrees, including a BA degree in Architecture, an MA in Architecture, and an MS in Civil Engineering. She also received a Master of Divinity (Mdiv) degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, a BA degree in Christian Ministry, and an AA in Biblical Studies.
Realizing the positive impact of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on the economic development and sustainability of indigenous communities, and the need for more indigenous people to consider STEM studies and careers, Watson became a strong advocate for STEM education. With the support of American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and serving as a Sequoyah Fellow, Watson was instrumental in mentoring and inspiring other Native Americans to consider STEM related fields. AISES is a non-profit organization founded in the year 1977 by American Indian scientists to increase representation of indigenous peoples of North America in pursuing science, technology, engineering and math studies and careers.
Over a span of 38 years, Watson’s contributions and accomplishments in STEM, and the fields of architectural design, civil engineering and christian ministry have been remarkable. As a STEM advocate, Watson co-founded the first UC Berkeley AISES student chapter, and co-founded the first California AISES Professional Chapter and the Southern California AISES Professional Chapter. As a graduate student at UC Berkeley, Watson was one of the original organizers of the first Indigenous Peoples Day declaration in the nation by the City of Berkeley, California in 1992.
In the areas of architectural design and civil engineering, Watson conducted planning and design of indigenous community buildings in Northern and Central California; served as design manager during the planning and design phases of new school campuses for Oakland Unified School District projects; designed multi-purpose community centers and residential projects; served as job captain on the Oakland International Airport Terminal II Renovation project with construction cost of $400 million; and served as project manager for government agencies like the Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Community Development, and NASA in Washington, DC. In the area of christian ministry, Watson serves as Brigade Chaplain with the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF) and served as volunteer chaplain with the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) where she provided spiritual and pastoral care for Alaska Native and American Indian people. Watson currently performs the role of civil engineer at the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs where she leads a technical administrative team responsible for program and project management to meet the goals of the Tribal Transportation Program.
As a result of her impactful and exemplary achievements, Watson has received numerous accolades and notable awards. One of her most recent awards is the 2023 AISES’ Ely S. Parker Award, which is the highest award given by AISES in honor of Ely S. Parker, the first Native American engineer to break multiple racial barriers in the 19th Century with a legacy that continues to inspire indigenous leaders. “Marlene has been an indigenous STEM ambassador her entire career. She is an exceptional leader who shows that education and the promise it holds offers infinite possibilities and experiences as seen in her own rewarding life and career. No doubt she has given her all by supporting students’ access to STEM, educating others about diversity in STEM, and leading by example,” stated AISES Board Chair Gary Burnette. Watson is also an honorary recipient of the Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal, the Alaska Community Service Medal, and the Alaska Commendation Medal issued by the Governor of the State of Alaska.
GOALS congratulate Watson on her success in promoting STEM education for indigenous people, and on her impressive impact in the fields of architecture, engineering and chaplain ministry.
