Phillips is
Hunkpapa and
Minnecoujou Lakota. Her
Lakota name is Cante Wakan Win. Phillips was a member of the
United States Army. She worked as an educator for 28 years, including 18 years as an administrator. On August 1, 2023, she began mentoring under
Sitting Bull College president
Laurel Vermillion. Phillips assumed office on January 1, 2024. Phillips has a partner and five children. As of 2023, she has resided in
Standing Rock Indian Reservation for most of her life. == References ==