Devine was born inLansing, Michigan. As a child, she moved frequently due to her father,Dan Devine's, career as a football coach.[1][2] She was the middle of seven children.[1]
Devine attended the University of Wisconsin, where she interned on theOjibwe reservation. She lived and worked there for five years, during which time theIndian-Self Determination Act was enacted. Witnessing the changes that the act gave Devine an understanding of tribal sovereignty and government.[1]
As a part of her work, Devine traveled multiple times to Arizona. In 1979, Devine was introduced to a new residential treatment facility, Indian Rehabilitation. She agreed to help it until a leader could be hired.[3] Under Devine's leadership, Indian Rehabilitation transformed into the nonprofit Native American Connections.[1] As the organization's president and CEO, she greatly grew the organization to support Phoenix'shomeless population.[1][4] She was also active in the founding of the Native American Community Service Center and other services like housing programs. One of the housing communities is named after Devine.[1]
Under Devine's leadership, Native American Connections developed1,000 affordable Phoenix residences and openedtwenty-three Valley projects to provide aid and social services.Greg Stanton noted that "Noone has changed as many minds about affordable housing ... in Arizona."[5]
Devine was also influential in transforming the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center. This formerAmerican Indian boarding school became a place for Native Americans from many tribes to come together.[5]
To support her work, Devine earned her MBA fromArizona State University in 1999.[1][6] She attended the school while running the Native American Connections.[6]
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