Miriam Zmiewski-Angelova (descendant Choctaw, Cherokee, African-American, Ashkenazi) is an Indigenous IndigiQueer mother, educator, activist, consultant, trainer, and artist living in Duwamish territory (Seattle). She has over 22 years of experience and service in education and the care of children and their families. Miriam earned her P-3 Endorsement from the University of Washington. She also has a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Arizona with a focus on Maternal and Child Health in Native American populations. She has worked with numerous organizations and Indigenous/tribal nations in Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and internationally in Canada and Aotearoa/NZ. Miriam values the teachings she has received to practice humility and flexibility when partnering with teachers, community members, and clients to sustain productive and collaborative relationships.
Miriam currently serves as the Community and Cultural Engagement Manager at Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services. Prior to joining the Hummingbird family, Miriam worked for the City of Seattle as a Senior Early Learning Coach. She was the former Preschool Director at Daybreak Star Preschool in Seattle. She serves as a member on multiple local early learning task force groups and a Na’ah Illahee Fund - TEND traditional foods and permaculture cohorts advocating for Indigenous food sovereignty. She feels incredibly honored for the knowledge and experiences gained through her work with families and communities as they have continually strengthened her commitment to culturally and linguistically responsive anti-bias practices. Miriam carries this into her current work with the DEEL coaching team to help elevate the quality of instructional coaching and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators.
Miriam is deeply honored to serve in this role of supporting community and cultural engagements. She is constantly inspired by her two children and the opportunity to tell the story of family, old and new traditions, and helping develop their positive self-image. Miriam is the mom to two beautiful brown babies: Nashoba (“wolf” – 9 years old) and Nitalusa (“black bear” – 3 years old). She can be seen with her children in the community singing, marching, crafting, or in the garden playing in the dirt.
