Wassaja Center's Andrews Named National Leadership Fellow

Christina C. Bell Andrews to serve 18-month term with W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Christina C. Bell Andrews, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson and executive director of the university's Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Center for Native American Health, has been selected as part of an innovative fellowship for local community leaders. Andrews will serve an 18-month term as a fellow with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network, where she will advocate for women and children as a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Why it matters

The fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for Andrews to grow her leadership skills and connections to help address challenges facing Native communities. As a tribal leader, Andrews' work is focused on ensuring Native children have pride in their identity, access to equitable opportunities, and support for their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.

The details

Andrews has been the executive director of the Wassaja Center since May 2023. Prior to that, she served on the university's Community Action Council Committee of the American Indian Research Center for Health, ensuring tribal, urban American Indian and Alaskan Native people had meaningful participation in the development of relevant programs and priorities.

  • Andrews was selected as part of the 18-month W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network fellowship in February 2026.

The players

Christina C. Bell Andrews

An assistant professor of family and community medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and executive director of the University of Arizona's Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Center for Native American Health.

Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Center for Native American Health

A center at the University of Arizona focused on improving the health and well-being of Native American communities.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

A private foundation that works to create conditions that propel vulnerable children to realize their full potential in school, work and life.

Center for Creative Leadership

A global provider of executive education that partners with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on the Community Leadership Network fellowship program.

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What they’re saying

“This fellowship is a tremendous honor, and I accept it with humility and purpose. As a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation and a tribal leader, my work is rooted in ensuring Native children grow up with pride in their identity, access to equitable opportunities, and support for their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.”

— Christina C. Bell Andrews, Assistant Professor and Executive Director (arizona.edu)

“I am most excited to collaborate with fellow leaders, exchange ideas and strengthen pathways that uplift Native youths as thriving leaders, innovators and cultural bearers for generations to come.”

— Christina C. Bell Andrews, Assistant Professor and Executive Director (arizona.edu)

What’s next

Andrews will begin her 18-month term as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network fellow in March 2026.

The takeaway

This fellowship opportunity allows Andrews, a respected leader in the Native American health community, to further develop her skills and connections to advocate for the needs of Native children and families. Her work aims to empower the next generation of Native leaders, innovators and cultural bearers.