Elisia Manuel – Advocate, Leader, and Change maker, founder of Three Precious Miracles
Elisia Manuel’s journey is one of love, culture, and unshakable purpose. A proud Apache woman from the White Mountain Apache Tribe and of Mexican heritage, Elisia has dedicated her life to fighting for Native children and families impacted by the child welfare system. Her voice, her heart, and her mission are rooted in reclaiming the sacred connection between children, culture, and community.
As the Founder of Three Precious Miracles (TPM), Elisia leads a grassroots movement that empowers Native families through culturally grounded support, healing, and advocacy. TPM was born from a simple but powerful belief: children deserve to stay connected to their people, their language, and their traditions.
Elisia’s work is deeply personal. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Tecumseh Manuel from Gila River Indian Community, and together they are the proud parents of three beautiful children each a precious blessing brought into their lives through the child welfare system and the protection of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Their family is living proof of the transformative power of ICWA and the importance of cultural preservation.
Elisia is a certified trainer in Protective Factors and the Caring for Our Own Kinship Program, and a recognized expert in ICWA and cultural awareness for child welfare. She works tirelessly to educate others and bring systemic change ensuring Native families are supported, respected, and never forgotten.
Her impact has reached national platforms: Elisia was named a CNN Top 10 Hero in 2024, featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show, and invited to speak before the U.S. Congress. She is also the recipient of the Children’s Bureau and AdoptUSKids Excellence Award 2024.
Yet through it all, Elisia remains grounded in the values passed down through generations love, service, and community. Her mission is clear: to uplift, connect, and inspire Native families across Arizona and beyond, so that every Native child knows exactly who they are and where they belong.
Elisia Manuel
Founder / Executive Director
480 292-0386
threepreciousmiracles.org
Elisia CNN Hero Video
