A SEN Pay It Forward Conversation with Naomie Droll - Interim Executive Director for Scholars Equity Network

In this inspiring episode of the Scholars Equity Network Podcast, host Aaron Stallworth sits down with Naomie Droll—a proud member of the Navajo Nation, 2012 Gates Millennium Scholars Program recipient, and now Interim Executive Director of the Scholars Equity Network (SEN).

Naomie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in New Mexico’s Indian Country to becoming a leader for Indigenous advocacy and scholar engagement. What began as a surprise introduction to the Gates Millennium Scholarship in a high school computer lab became a life-changing opportunity—one that propelled her into higher education, law school, and ultimately a career dedicated to advancing tribal communities.

Listeners will hear how Naomie navigated pivots from science to international relations to tribal law, including her work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and her advocacy for the Navajo Nation. She also reflects on graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic and building a career at the intersection of policy, law, and community impact.

Now at the helm of SEN, Naomie is leading efforts to re-engage a powerful network of over 20,000 scholars and address the “brain drain” effect often associated with scholarship programs. Central to this work is the Pay It Forward Accelerator—SEN’s flagship initiative that funds scholar-led, community-driven projects through grassroots support and collective investment.

From launching innovative programs to planning the upcoming Pay It Forward Summit, Naomie offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of scaling impact across a national network—and how every scholar can play a role.

Tune in to learn:

• How a single opportunity can transform a life—and a community
• Why Indigenous advocacy became Naomie’s calling
• How the Pay It Forward Accelerator is redefining giving and impact
• Ways you can get involved with SEN and support scholar-driven change

🎧 Whether you're a scholar, changemaker, or advocate for equity, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to lift as you climb.

Learn more and get involved at scholarsequity.org.