AICCCA President Tracy Stanhoff said Vivanco was nominated for the Warrior Award by members of the Chamber and past Warrior awardees and finalized in selection for this honor by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Recipients are typically Tribal leaders, business owners, executives, or community advocates whose efforts have created measurable, lasting impact.

Isaiah Vivanco, a proud Tribal Member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, is currently serving his third term as Chairman for the Soboba Tribal Council. This is his eighth Council term overall, having served as Vice-Chairman for four terms and one term as Treasurer. He is a former Executive Board member for the Compact Tribes Steering Committee and was recently re-elected to his fourth two-year term as Treasurer for CNIGA to assist with its efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and gaming.

He is the current Pacific Region Delegate on the national Indian Gaming Association Board of Directors. In 2021, Isaiah was elected to the California Fee-to-Trust Consortium Board of Directors, which assists Tribes in reclaiming lands and placing them into trust status. For eight years he served on the Soboba Foundation and was Tournament Chair for the annual Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament. Since 2022, Isaiah has served as Chairman of the Tribal Nations Advisory Council for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). He is a member of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA) and has been on the Riverside County District Attorney’s Tribal Advisory Board since 2023. He sits on the 7G Board of Directors as Vice President, supporting young Native athletes. He was elected to the First Nations Experience (FNX) Board of Directors, which supports television exclusively devoted to Native American and world Indigenous content.

Vivanco enjoys playing Peon and watching his children and now 10 grandchildren sing and dance at Bird Singing gatherings. He also likes golfing and fastpitch softball. Isaiah works hard to deliver strong leadership for his Tribe in promoting sustainable economic development. It is very important to him to provide for the current membership as well as future generations to come.

The AICCCA event took place during its 30th annual Native American Heritage Month Luncheon on Nov. 21 at the Disneyland Hotel/Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. At the luncheon, Vivanco was presented with its annual Warrior Award, which honors those who embody the spirit of a “warrior” in the contemporary sense—people who: champion Native entrepreneurship; advocate for Tribal sovereignty and Native economic self-determination; demonstrate exceptional dedication, courage, and integrity; serve their communities through mentorship, advocacy, and long-term commitment; and build meaningful partnerships between Tribes, Native businesses, and statewide industries.

The first person to speak as an introduction for Vivanco was Pechanga Tribal Member Andrew Masiel, who serves as a Pechanga Development Corporation Board member and has known Vivanco for a number of years. “As a young man growing up on the (Soboba) Reservation, he participated in a lot of activities with the Tribe,” Masiel said. “He exhibited a lot of ambition, a lot of desire and involvement.”

Tomas Tortez Jr., former Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Tribal Council Chairman, received the Warrior Award last year and said it was an honor to know Chairman Vivanco. “I’ve known him as a mentor during my eight-year chairmanship,” Tortez said. “I would see Isaiah in every aspect of advocacy for Tribal matters. I’d see him in Sacramento and Washington D.C. whenever there were legal battles to be held. It takes being away from the family to be there, so I appreciate that he not only spent time to do that but to talk to me about various issues, especially with us being a smaller non-gaming site. All events and activities and advocacy shared with Chairman Vivanco truly shows his worthiness of the Warrior Award. I think all the accomplishments he has done will carry on for generations. It’s more than showing up—you have to speak and be heard, which he articulates so well. When you’re running your government it takes a lot of dedication, a lot of time, a lot of effort—so thank you for all you do, Chairman.”

Audrey Martinez, Council Secretary for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said she has gotten to know Vivanco over the past few years and found him to be very dedicated with tremendous leadership skills. “And like Tomas said, he’s everywhere,” she said. “You need someone like that in these leadership positions. It takes a lot of time, dedication and effort when running your government. Thank you, Chairman, for all your hard work.”

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena, who also serves as Chairwoman of TASIN said, “I concur with all the words that have been said by others. Chairman, thank you for all the years you’ve been doing this. We are very appreciative of all the sacrifices that our Tribal leaders make to be somewhere, and we always say if we didn’t have the support in the home, it’s not going to happen. When you have that support at home and have the passion to love what you do, you go out and do it as it comes to dedication and commitment. Chairman Vivanco sits on many boards and now with many steering committees with different organizations. We’re very honored to see you getting this award and we appreciate everything you do with your Tribe; the collaboration, the work and the long, long hours. Thank you again.”

Soboba Tribal Member and former Tribal Council Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo was the last to speak before inviting Vivanco to the stage. “Council always faces many challenges. It’s constant juggling with all that has to be done. In leadership, you have the oldest to the youngest you have to be responsible for on your reservation; you have to include their needs. We want to take care of what we have currently but also plan for the future. In leadership you have to think of all those things and have contingency plans in place and help everyone understand this is why we do this, this is the process. He has a long list of accomplishments and all he is involved in but there’s more to those boards you’re sitting on. It takes a lot of time away from your family and from everyone but there can be good that comes out of it all. It takes a lot to be standing in leadership; it’s a lot of weight on you.”

Chairman Vivanco thanked the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California for the recognition. He also thanked those who offered such heartfelt words of support.

He praised his fellow Tribal Council members for being so engaged and active, which allows opportunity for him to serve, network, and maintain important relationships with various boards.

“Potential board appointments are discussed with our Council to weigh the pros and cons of how it will benefit Soboba,” Vivanco said. He was proud to be re-elected to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) board by 57 California Tribes where he can continue to assist the group in its efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and gaming.

He said this is a critical time for all Tribes as the threat of illegal event contracts through prediction markets has never been more real or impactful. “CNIGA is at the heart of this fight and having a seat at that table is so important,” Vivanco said. “I’m grateful that we have such a strong Council that allows me to represent Soboba in trying to protect what we have.”

Serving on the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) board as Tribal Nations Advisory Council Chairman helps him keep pace with what is needed to ensure Soboba’s youth are getting the education and tools needed to have successful futures.

“If we do not continue to adapt to this rapidly changing, technology-driven world, we risk being left behind” Vivanco said.

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Nominated by their peers, honorees exemplify leadership, initiative, and dedication, making significant contributions to their professions and communities. This year’s awardees were recognized at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) from March 10–13 at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“Each of these remarkable individuals has shown a commitment to going beyond boundaries to build a bright future for Indian Country,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center. “They join more than 600 past honorees in what has been an increasingly tight-knit and collaborative group.”

Estrada, who is a member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians in Mountain Center where he serves as Tribal Council Chairman, said he is not one who seeks the spotlight or recognition, so he was blown away when he was notified of his selection.

“Being considered was an honor in itself, but this is so much more than me, because the efforts I am being recognized for are not just for me, but for my Tribe and the Tribe I work for,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of my Tribe, especially my Tribal Council. We have a really good group and have been making huge efforts and steps over the last 15 years: economic development, Tribal governance, and cultural revitalization and preservation.”

Estrada said he is grateful for the amazing support his Tribe receives from the rest of the General Membership. “I am incredibly proud of the work we have done and the work we continue to do; and incredibly thankful and proud of the hard work and dedication our team does, especially our Tribal Administrator, Vanessa Minott,” he said.

He said it was an honor just to be nominated for The National Center’s award but being selected as one of only 40 individuals from across Indian Country was incredible. “What made this really special was that two others from Southern California Tribes were also selected: Savana Saubel, from Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who I have known for many years, and Lindsey Dollman from the Pechanga Band of Indians,” he said.

Estrada is also thankful for the opportunity and support Soboba has provided to him. As Tribal Executive Officer, he serves to support Tribal leadership, provide recommendations, and execute directives given. “I enjoy being able to grow within the organization with the support of not just leadership but also the more than 300 talented team members that I work with,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of this dynamic organization and doing what I can as they serve its membership and advocate for their Tribe.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said, “Steven is not only a great administrator, but an outstanding person and I feel honored to call him my friend. His dedication to cultural preservation aligns with my personal goals. I have seen him implement many programs and projects for his Tribe as well as throughout Indian Country that have brought awareness and action to this important subject. Steven is also a remarkable role model for our youth as a goal-driven, passionate, culture-oriented Native American who is accomplishing so much at such a young age.”

Estrada was first elected to the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council in 2007. He is now beginning his third term as Chairman, having previously served in roles as Councilmember, Secretary, and Vice Chairman.

Raised at Séwya (original place name for Santa Rosa), Estrada began attending Tribal meetings before he turned 18 so he could observe how the Tribal government functioned. His grandmother was a traditionalist and always involved with cultural activities and Tribal issues. This sparked his interest at a young age, especially when learning about plant usage for basket weaving.

He is passionate about Tribal matters, especially cultural preservation, and is actively involved in traditional activities and practices. Estrada said he is thankful for what he has been taught by his elders, especially his grandmother, Josephine Lubo Modesto from the Cahuilla Reservation.

“Individual Tribal members have a responsibility to the Tribe; it’s not just what the Tribe provides for the individual,” he said. “Each person had a place and purpose in traditional society, so that the Tribe could survive overall. I am forever thankful for the foundation she provided; also thankful for all the sacrifices my mother made not just as a mom, but also as a Councilmember and former Chairwoman for Santa Rosa, always trying to serve the Tribe. And I am also thankful for my husband, Andrew Vallejos, for all the support and encouragement he has shown, and the example he provides of a strong work ethic and dedication that many strive for.”

Lynn R. Valbuena, Chairwoman for Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said, “I have personally witnessed Chairman Estrada’s growth and development as an elected Tribal leader of the Santa Rosa Cahuilla. As with most Tribal nations, Santa Rosa is in a rural, mountainous area of southern California that provides limited real opportunities and seemingly endless challenges. Despite these conditions, Steven is currently serving his third term as chairman where his leadership is characterized by his vision, commitment, and a strong cultural foundation.”

Estrada holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne where he is currently pursuing his law degree, all while working full-time and volunteering for Tribal activities at Santa Rosa and Soboba.

“The 2025 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees reflects the depth of talent, dedication, and leadership within our communities,” said Lillian Sparks Robinson, Vice Chair of The National Center’s Board of Directors. “These individuals are shaping the future of Indian Country and setting a powerful example for generations to come.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said, “As Tribal members and Tribal Council leaders, we always want what is best for our people. It is a great responsibility to make sure we choose the very best people to fill critical roles in our government and we have found no one better than Steven to do this for us. He has proven himself to be an outstanding colleague. He also gets involved in community outreach events through his position with us and interacts with our Tribal members in a friendly, respectful and considerate way.”

Each recipient received free registration to the conference, and Estrada said it was nice to attend the breakout sessions, and general assembly. He said there were several topics that are beneficial to Tribal governments such as leadership, workforce development, partnerships, and Tribal governance.

“This was my third RES Conference,” Estrada said. “NCAIED always provides a well-planned and beneficial array of workshops and breakout sessions that are impactful to Tribes nationwide.”

For more information, www.ncaied.org.

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