Meet Our Team

At Intertribal Friendship House (IFH), our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where Native culture, tradition, and community thrive. We work together to empower Native families, celebrate cultural resilience, and provide essential resources that strengthen our community.

Together, we are stronger.

Lorena Rivera, Executive Director

Enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and is of Mohawk and Mexican heritage.

I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, with Mohawk and Mexican heritage. I am also the proud mother of Anavey Smith, a freshman at the University of Oregon. Born and raised in Oakland, I grew up attending events and activities at IFH, which eventually led me to join the organization as the Elder & Youth Program Coordinator. I later served as the Board Chairperson before relocating to Grand Ronde, Oregon.

Since 2020, I have worked for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and for the past year, I have held the position of Youth Prevention Manager. I return to IFH with renewed passion to serve the Bay Area Native American community, bringing a proven track record of leadership and dedication to improving the lives of those I serve.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Holy Names University and a Master of Tribal Administration & Governance degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Istu Yee Montes, Cultural Program Manager

Amskapii Piikuni Blackfeet

I was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and raised in East Oakland, California into a large family of Native activists, artists and cultural preservationists. My work reflects the love and compassion I have for my people; our deep-rooted, local Native Community of whom I consider my extended family. I've had the privilege to grow-up here therefore, I understand the 'urban-rez' experience and can attest to the sacred struggle that it is. I look forward to leading, supporting and celebrating our community into the bright future ahead. 

Kendra EverybodyTalksAbout, Executive Assistant

Amskapii Piikuni Blackfeet

Okii, I am a full-blooded enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, born and raised in Browning, Montana. My parents, Gail Bearchild and Kenneth EverybodyTalksAbout, were deeply involved in our community and traditional ceremonies, shaping my commitment to service. Raised in a home centered on cultural beliefs, language, and leadership, I was influenced by my mother’s teachings from the Native community during the Relocation and AIM days and her 15 years as a teacher, as well as my father’s leadership as tribal chairman. The resilience and opportunity instilled by my grandmother, Doris Wells, who was part of the Relocation Act, allowed me to seek a life beyond the reservation. I began my career at NAHC as a program assistant before joining Intertribal Friendship House (IFH), where I transitioned from Administrative Assistant to Executive Assistant. I am passionate about serving the Native community and supporting IFH’s mission. Iikakiimaat.

Rebecca Villalobos, Cultural Program Assistant

San Carlos Apache & Omaha

My name is Rebecca Villalobos, and I am San Carlos Apache/Omaha. I grew up here in the Bay Area and attended Haskell Indian Nations University, where I studied Environmental Science. At Intertribal Friendship House, I support our youth programs by creating a safe and welcoming space where young people feel empowered and connected to their culture.

I am committed to fostering an environment where youth can learn, grow, and strengthen their cultural identity. If you have ideas for enhancing the upstairs youth room, I’d love to hear them!

Nevaeh Trevino, Cultural Program Assistant

Duckwater Shoshone Tribe / Navajo Nation