Jacob Moore Named Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Honoree & Chef Nella To Return As Featured Indigenous Chef
Phoenix, AZ — This year, the Phoenix Indian Center awarded Jacob Moore, Vice President and Special Advisor on American Indian Affairs at Arizona State University with the esteemed Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Award. Jacob Moore, a member of the Lakota, Dakota, Tohono O’odham, and Akimel O’odham communities, is a citizen of the Tohono O’odham Nation. His primary focus is to advise the University on increasing the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of American Indian and Indigenous students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and law degrees. Moore brings extensive experience in tribal government, economic and community development, healthcare policy, banking, gaming, and education.
The award was given at the 41st Annual Silver & Turquoise Ball, held on October 18, 2024, at Talking Stick Resort, within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. This 2024 theme was “Elevating Indigeneity – Community, Culture & Commerce.” The southwest’s premiere Native American fundraising event was co-chaired by Diandra Benally (Navajo), General Counsel for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and Sheila Morago (Gila River Indian Community), a founding partner of Trilogy Group.
The event will featured silent and live auctions, showcasing American Indian art, jewelry, gifts, and services from local businesses. Patty Dimitriou (Diné), known for her volunteer work on urban Native issues, including national efforts to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), chaired the auction.
Attendees were treated to a special Indigenous-inspired dinner crafted by talented Indigenous Chef Denella “Nella” Belin (Diné). Originally from Tuba City, Arizona, Chef Nella is a fusion chef who emphasizes modern, healthy cooking with Indigenous ingredients.
