Marlene Fosselman

Marlene Fosselman is the Co-Founder and Project Outreach Coordinator of Native

Pathways, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous education,

cultural preservation, and community empowerment. An enrolled citizen of the San

Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, Ms. Fosselman has served her tribal community as a

former Tribal Council member, where she played a key role in advocating for the

visibility and inclusion of Native voices across San Diego County.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the promotion of Native American

art, heritage, and cultural awareness, Ms. Fosselman was honored in 2025 as a

“Woman Who Inspires” by California State Senator Catherine Blakespear. This

distinction reflects her long-standing commitment to amplifying Indigenous

perspectives and fostering cultural dialogue throughout the region.

Beyond her leadership in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Fosselman is also a successful

entrepreneur. Together with her husband, Philip “P.J.” Fosselman, she co-owns Native

Kiicha Frybread and Native Ink Clothing, two Indigenous-owned businesses that

serve as platforms for cultural expression and economic development within the Native

community.

Ms. Fosselman previously served for over a decade in the Vista Unified School

District, where she was deeply involved in supporting educational equity and student

engagement. Her professional endeavors are grounded in a lifelong dedication to

service, cultural stewardship, and community well-being.

She is the proud mother of four children and a devoted grandmother, drawing strength

and purpose from her family as she continue