Kalina Campos is a proud at-large citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She was born and raised in Concord, California and attended Ygnacio Valley High School. Kalina earned a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing with a minor in Integrative Health and Wellness from the University of Portland. During her time at the University of Portland, she participated in the Native American Alliance Club, played club lacrosse, and studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria. She is currently working as a Registered Nurse for the Sacramento VA Medical Center on a Transitional Care Unit. In her free time, Kalina enjoys traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with family.
Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area, away from the Cherokee Nation reservation, she was excited to participate in the Remember the Removal Memorial Bike Ride to learn more about her cultural roots and embrace her Cherokee heritage. Kalina is the first at-large citizen to relocate to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to participate in the Remember the Removal program. She also learned she is the first rider to be a direct descendent of Principal Chief John Ross.
While in Tahlequah, Kalina spent much of her time training, exploring the Cherokee Nation and volunteering in the community. She is truly grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experiences with those back home, becoming more involved in the at large community, and inspiring future youth riders.
