Marvina Chavez (Diné)
Tribal Public Health and Aging Associate
Marvina is a Tribal Public Health and Aging Associate at the International Association for Indigenous Aging working with the HBI team.
Marvina Chavez brings more than 26 years of experience in social and human services, including over two decades of specialized work in programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA). Her work focuses on strengthening aging services through advocacy, resource development, and culturally grounded approaches that center tribal perspectives in public health and community-based care.
Professional experience includes leadership roles supporting the development, administration, and oversight of aging services programs, as well as direct service delivery in tribal senior programs. This work spans program design, contract management, and operational leadership across systems serving elders and caregivers.
Areas of expertise include elder care, caregiver support, case management, elder justice, and protective services systems supporting elders and grandparents raising grandchildren. In recent years, her work has expanded to include a growing focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), supporting efforts to strengthen awareness, resources, and culturally responsive approaches to dementia care in tribal communities.
She remains committed to advancing equitable access to resources and supporting tribal self-determination in policies and systems that impact aging communities.
