Dr. Sarita McGowan

Dr. McGowan brings more than 20 years of experience in traditional and culturally responsive care, with a career grounded in service to Native communities and a deep understanding of historical and generational trauma, substance use disorders, and the resilience of Tribal Nations. She currently serves as a co‑lead for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Native American Family Program and as the Native American National Representative for the Foundation.

Her professional journey includes service as the Native American Chaplain for the California Department of Corrections, where she supported Native individual, including transgender and ESL community members, through culturally grounded spiritual care. Dr. McGowan also previously served at the United American Indian Involvement Health Center in Los Angeles, providing support to community members impacted by significant health disparities and intergenerational trauma.

Dr. McGowan is a published scholar whose thesis, Becoming Ioway: Using Auto‑Ethnography to Understand the Fourteen Ioways’ Journey of Colonization, Spirituality and Traditions Through Tribal Dance Exhibitions (2016), examines the 1844 journey of 14 Ioway Tribal members who traveled with George Catlin to Europe. Her doctoral dissertation explores how Native students’ exposure to Indigenous “ways of knowing” influences their success in higher education.

Her academic path reflects extraordinary perseverance. After achieving long‑term sobriety, now 20 years, she returned to school beginning with an AA degree, later earning a BA, an MA in Education with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and ultimately her Doctorate in Education, Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign. She credits her ancestors and the Wellbriety movement for guiding her toward a life of healing, purpose, and service.

Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Dr. McGowan is deeply connected to community and culture. She has been honored as Head Woman at numerous Southern California pow wows and at her home reservation’s Ioway Fall Encampment (2019/2023). She also serves as the appointed Secretary for the Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Boys and Girls Club Board and as a Board Member for the Iowa Community Enterprises, Inc.

Dr. McGowan’s lived experience, from navigating periods of being unhoused to becoming a respected traditional professional, embodies resilience, cultural strength, and a profound commitment to uplifting Native people. Her leadership and insight will be invaluable as UAII continues advancing culturally grounded, community‑centered services for Urban Native families.