Alexis Contreras is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Portland State University in 2011. In December of 2011, she joined the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) working with both the research department and the government affairs and advocacy department.
At NICWA, Contreras has worked on a number of projects covering a range of topics from juvenile justice to reducing disproportionality in the child welfare system. She currently serves NICWA as a research assistant, developing strong trusting relationships with diverse tribal partners, and working seamlessly with tribal leaders, service providers, parents, elders, and youth. Contreras embodies the organization’s philosophy of facilitating community processes and activities that allow communities to draw on their wisdom and assets to improve the lives and circumstances of tribal members.
Professional Positions
2011 | Tutor/Mentor, Native American Youth and Family Center
2011 | Client Intake Worker, Care to Share
2011-2016 | Project Coordinator, National Indian Child Welfare Association
2016-present | Research Assistant, National Indian Child Welfare Association