Majority Indigenous Board
Maria Ragonese
BOARD CHAIRPERSON – Maria is the director of operations and project management for the Indigenous nonprofit PAZA Tree of Life. She began her career in Corporate America as an administrative assistant in the financial district of New York City. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, where Maria lost two family members, she became an advocate for the rights of many 9-11 families including her own. This radically reshaped her life. Throughout the years, Maria has been certified through organizations such as VNA Hospice, Crisis Text Line, and Stephen Ministries to counsel and guide people through life’s difficult journeys. Maria’s deep appreciation and respect for Native American History and Culture began when she was a child. She always felt that someday it would have a significant place in her life. Today, she is an adopted member of the Sans Arc Band of the Lakota Souix. Her native name is Wichapi Waziya Wyan which means North Star Woman.
Michele Derose MacShane
Michele is an actress, singer/songwriter, and writer. A proud member of SAG/AFTRA/ACTORS EQUITY/ASCAP, she has been actively involved in the entertainment industry since the age of five under the direction of her late father, Bert DeRose. A graduate of the University at Albany, SUNY, Michele has performed in numerous regional and award-winning Off/Broadway productions in NYC, as well as roles in TV, commercials and award-winning films at The Woodstock Film Festival and Action on Film International Film Festival in Monrovia, CA. One of her biggest highlights was being cast by Director/Filmmaker/Actor Spike Lee in a NYC voting elections’ commercial in 2009. Michele’s latest accomplishment is with her comedic character role Gertie Beard, having a TV segment on The Critter Cuzzins Ozark Music & Comedy Show, as hippie Raven Rainbow on Kelly James & The Folk Review TV show both now streaming on ROKU TV, and as a voiceover actress on Audible. Michele is casting assistant for the Moon Drake children’s series.
Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler
Hau, Mitakyepi, Hello, my relatives, my name is Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler. I am the Founder of PAZA, Tree of Life, however, I would be amiss if I didn’t give credit to my mother, Shirley Eagletail Fiddler, who is the visionary behind PAZA. Without the assistance of technology, she tirelessly researched our bloodline and lineage and taught us about the traditional ways of the Lakota Nation. It was her belief that returning to our ancestorial roots would bring healing our people. As her eldest son, she always told me to “bring the people together”; I am doing this through PAZA, Tree of Life’s vision of unity. It was her joy to learn that PAZA, Tree of Life had become a reality. Sadly, my mom past in August of 2024. I will continue to carry on her vision by sharing our history, traditions and ceremonies with the world.
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