
Celebrating 2 Decades
of Scholarships
Providing vital assistance for Tribal people to achieve their academic dreams and return with the tools to enhance their communities.
LA's Native American Fundraiser Gala this Nov 7th
Join Pukúu Cultural Community Services as we celebrate 21 years of Night with the Stars — an elegant evening honoring Native excellence and supporting scholarships for Indigenous students.
What to Expect
Live Native entertainment | Cultural performances | Honoree recognition | Dinner & silent auction
Why It Matters 🎓
Since 2004, this gala has raised critical funds for college scholarships, helping Native youth achieve their educational dreams and return to uplift their communities.
Meet the 2025 Honorees
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath is a trailblazing leader and reformer, serving as the first millennial and only renter on Los Angeles County’s all-women Board of Supervisors. In 2024, she became the Board’s youngest-ever Chair, bringing a fresh, results-driven approach to regional challenges. In 2025, she continues to lead with urgency—spearheading disaster recovery after the Palisades Fire and driving a comprehensive overhaul of the County’s homeless services system.
Under her leadership, Los Angeles County achieved its first decrease in homelessness in nearly a decade. She has advanced bold climate initiatives through the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action & Fire-Safe Recovery and the LA County Water Plan. A champion for equity, she strengthened reproductive freedom through the Abortion Safe Haven Program and prioritized LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities in County work.
Previously, she served as a West Hollywood Councilmember and the city’s longest consecutively serving Mayor.
Dr. Michael Ortega’s journey reflects perseverance, faith, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. The first in his family to earn a doctorate, he graduated from dental school in 2013 at age 28 while raising two children—a milestone achieved through determination and faith in God’s plan.
While a dental student, Dr. Ortega was an elected official of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, and served on the Education and Health Committee—a foundation for his enduring passion for leadership and service. In 2018, he founded his own dental practice, guided by integrity, compassion, and excellence. His focus extends beyond patient care to fostering unity, accountability, and growth within his team.
Deeply rooted in faith, Dr. Ortega believes success lies in using one’s gifts to uplift others. Through charitable dental programs and community outreach, he provides care to underserved populations. A devoted husband and father of four, he continues to lead with purpose, gratitude, and service.
Robert Judkins brings over three decades of experience in broadcast media, technology, and sports production. As Executive Producer and Director of Broadcast for the Native American Basketball Invitational’s NABI Network, he champions Native American athletes by creating inclusive, high-quality broadcasts featuring an all–Native American announce team. His leadership ensures that Native voices and stories reach audiences worldwide, promoting cultural pride and unity through sports.
Before joining NABI in 2021, Robert served over six years as Commissioner for the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission- helping secure vital resources to address socioeconomic challenges impacting Native communities. With a career that includes 13 years at the NFL and roles at Technicolor, Matchframe Video, and Positive Sound Recording, Robert continues to merge innovation with advocacy—using storytelling and sports as powerful tools for representation, empowerment, and social change.
Thank you to our sponsors
Title Sponsor:


Title Sponsor FivePoint alongside the 2025 Cultural Defender Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship recipients.
Join Us Nov 7th
The 2025 Night with the Stars Gala is SOLD OUT! See you soon.
Don’t know what to wear? Check out the 2024 Gala photo gallery.
NWTS Gallery












