Aztec Portfolio: Rhonda Welch-Scalco

The Tribal Chair

Rhonda Welch-Scalco is one of the few women to be voted tribal leader of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. During her tenure, the tribe has donated millions to education and health care facilities, infrastructure and the environment. She completed a master’s degree in education at SDSU in 1994.

Which is more of a challenge, your age or your gender?

It is difficult to say which one is more of a challenge. I come from a long line of tribal leaders including both my mother and grandmother who served as Tribal Chairwomen. Their leadership inspired me and guided me through the challenges of balancing motherhood, my career in government and currently, the pursuit of my Ph.D. I take my hat off to women who are successful working in politics or business and raising a family. It isn’t easy, but it is achievable.