Onawa Haynes (Diné / Mescalero Apache) is a lawyer, a runner, and a devoted mother who is deeply connected to her community. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2015, driven by a commitment to the empowerment and self-determination of tribal communities. Since then, Onawa has secured over $40 million in grant funding by working with over 25 Native tribes, non-profits and small businesses.

Onawa's work is about establishing a clear path to success and fostering sustainability. She specializes in obtaining federal grants and private foundation funding, with the funds directly contributing to key programs such as tribal law enforcement, education, behavioral health, roads and transportation, tribal courts, capital projects, and victim services.

Her mission to serve her community is deeply intertwined with her connection to her culture. As a Navajo woman, she deeply understands the unique challenges and opportunities within Native communities. She uses this understanding to present her clients' needs to funders in a strategic manner that respects cultural practices and contexts, ensuring that the community’s priorities are heard, understood, and addressed.

In addition her career contract grant writer, Onawa is an accomplished member of the legal community. She holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of New Mexico and is a member of the New Mexico Bar Association. Her background in law complements her grant writing expertise, enabling her to navigate the complex landscape of economic development with success.