January Graduate Student of the Month

Scholarship: Elizabeth Furber Scholarship
School: University of Utah
Degree: Film and Media Arts

Community Service

Regina Dezbah Simons has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to community service throughout her academic and professional journey. She served as the Native American Student Senator at Weber State University, advocating for the needs and representation of Indigenous students. Regina has been recognized with multiple academic scholarships for her dedication to excellence in education and her work supporting Native communities. Her efforts include mentoring aspiring Native filmmakers, collaborating with organizations that uplift underrepresented voices, and producing projects that focus on social justice and Indigenous narratives.

Bio

Regina Dezbah Simons is a filmmaker, performer, and advocate dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories through her work. As the founder of Dezbah Productions, she leads a company focused on creating impactful content centered on social justice and Indigenous narratives. Regina is deeply involved in her community, mentoring aspiring Native filmmakers and collaborating on projects that uplift underrepresented perspectives. Currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media, she was recently honored with the Emerging Filmmaker Award at the prestigious LA Skins Festival, celebrating her visionary storytelling and leadership in the industry.

This coming spring, I will complete my final semester at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media. My work as a filmmaker is deeply rooted in amplifying underrepresented voices through narrative, documentary, and experimental films. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, foster healing, and connect us as a society. Being a Native Forward Scholar means being part of a community that celebrates and uplifts Indigenous excellence. It signifies support not only for my personal and professional growth but also for the collective advancement of Native voices in creative and academic spaces. This recognition reminds me that my work is valued and that my contributions to storytelling matter on a larger scale. Native Forward has profoundly impacted and empowered me by offering opportunities that validate my dreams and make them attainable. Support from Native Forward affirms that as an Indigenous woman in film, my stories and perspective are critical to reshaping the media landscape. It enables me to focus on projects that celebrate our resilience, history, and future while giving back to my community through mentorship and advocacy. As a Native Forward Scholar, I will continue to honor this responsibility by creating work that challenges stereotypes, inspires understanding, and paves the way for the next generation of Indigenous creatives. Thank you for this opportunity and for believing in the power of Native voices to transform the world.

Want to be our next Student of the Month? Apply here!