DESIREE ACOSTA

Desiree Acosta (Miwok) is a Cultural Technologist with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of multimedia, technology, and Indigenous communities. Her work centers on creating innovative, culturally grounded pathways that support Indigenous self-determination through education, mentorship, culturally-rooted innovation, and digital strategy. Desiree approaches technology as a tool to serve Native Nations and community, not define them.

She is deeply rooted in the belief that Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty are not just historical, they are active forces shaping our future. Her work focuses on amplifying Native knowledge and voices through STEAM initiatives and building systems that prioritize community-led innovation and connection to cultural identity. Desiree leads projects that integrate Tribal knowledge with contemporary tools, including learning management systems, multimedia development, and project management / grant coordination. She is focused on expanding Indigenous impact through the support of building future-ready infrastructure. You can find her at weird hours growing food in the garden with dirty hands and drinking coffee when she's not at work.