Raelene Manuelito was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. She is a first-generation college graduate and received her BS from Colorado State University in 2014.
Raelene understands the students and communities she serves because she shares a similar education and cultural background. Many summers ago Raelene first started her Upward Bound Program journey as a high school student for all three summers and has since returned as part of the staff in many roles as a Residential Advisor, Residential Supervisor, and Instructors Assistant. All these positions have assisted in her most current role as Assistant Director! Raelene brings with her 10+ years of working with youth in multiple Colorado communities and in the tribal communities that she currently serves.
In her free time, Raelene enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, crafting, long phone calls with her family, fun adventures with her best friend Zion, and spending time with her dog Goose.