On Friday, November 8, Carrillo Elementary School hosted its first career fair. There, professionals from the South San Antonio community inspired students with diverse career paths. Among them was Cheyenne Rendon, a 2012 South San Antonio High School graduate and proud member of the Appeachean Navajo Tribe. November marked National Native American Heritage Month, and South San Antonio ISD celebrated Cheyenne’s impactful contributions to the community.
Cheyenne’s deep roots within SSAISD began in Pre-K at Carrillo Elementary and continued through South San Antonio High School, where she notes, “My parents met at Dwight Middle School over 30 years ago.” Now, her son attends Carrillo, marking the Rendon family’s third generation in the district.
After graduating, Cheyenne’s educational journey took her from Palo Alto College, where she earned a degree in Business Administration, to the University of North Texas (UNT), where she completed four degrees with academic honors in Mathematics, Writing, History, and Business Administration. Her achievements earned her a selection as a Marine Corps Officer Candidate, where she spent three years in Hawaii, embracing the values of honor, courage, and commitment while drawing strength from her native warrior heritage.
Following her military service, Cheyenne pursued a Master’s in Indigenous People’s Law at the University of Oklahoma, inspired by her 6th-grade history teacher, Mr. Juan Elias. Returning to San Antonio, she joined the Society of Native Nations (SNN) as a Senior Policy Officer, focusing on environmental justice, indigenous rights, and cultural heritage. Cheyenne’s work includes international advocacy, such as her successful efforts at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, and her upcoming participation in Paraguay to safeguard cultural traditions.
Cheyenne also serves as Program Coordinator for Building a Purpose, a non-profit founded by her family to prepare students for higher education and professional success. Their College Professional Connection Program collaborates with South San Antonio High School to mentor students and guide career paths.
Her commitment to community advocacy recently earned her the Compassionate San Antonian award from the Mayor of San Antonio. Whether fighting for policy changes at the Texas Capitol or leading resume workshops for local students, Cheyenne continues to inspire. “As a proud Bobcat and descendant of South San graduates, I know building my community is part of my purpose,” she says.
