A Life Shaped by Navajo Roots and Resilience As a member of the Navajo Nation, I carry with me a deep sense of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. Growing up in Gallup, New Mexico, and spending much of my childhood on the reservation, I was surrounded by tradition, family, and a strong connection to the land. Summers were spent with my grandmother, taking care of sheep, horses, and cattle. She did not speak much English, and I did not speak much Navajo, but we understood each other through actions, patience, and love. She taught me the value of hard work, respect for nature, and the importance of our traditional way of life. Life on the reservation had its challenges. Many homes lacked basic utilities, and families struggled with access to quality education, healthcare, and jobs. I saw firsthand how poverty and addiction could affect our people. But I also saw how our culture brings us together. Community events like the Navajo Nation Fair, traditional ceremonies, and family gatherings reminded me that we are stronger when we stand together. These traditions gave me purpose and a deep sense of belonging. After high school, I was unsure of my future. College did not seem like a real option at the time, so I joined the United States Navy. I thought I would serve four years and move on. Nineteen years later, I am still serving. The Navy gave me the structure, discipline, and confidence I needed. It also opened doors I never thought were possible. I have traveled the world, led teams, and mentored others from all walks of life. But no matter where I go, I never forget where I come from. Being Native American in the military has not always been easy. There were times I felt alone or misunderstood. But I used those moments to educate others and lead by example. I relied on the values I was raised with honesty, humility, and community. I made it my mission to lift up others and help them see their own potential. I am proud to say I have helped many sailors find success, just like others once helped me. Today, I am working toward a degree in business and planning for a future in law. My goal is to use what I have learned to help Native communities with legal support, policy, and advocacy. I want to give back to the people and culture that made me who I am. I believe that by understanding the past and investing in the future, we can bring real change to our communities. My life has been shaped by the strength of my culture, the lessons from my family, and the opportunities I have earned through service. I am proud to be Navajo. I carry that pride with me every day, in how I speak, how I lead, and how I plan to serve others in the next chapter of my life.

How do you think education can help reduce intimate partner violence? I believe education plays a huge role in reducing intimate partner violence. It is not just about teaching people what abuse looks like, but also about helping them understand their own value and the value of others. A lot of people grow up in environments where unhealthy relationships seem normal because they have never been taught anything different. Education gives people the tools to recognize red flags, to set boundaries, and to speak up when something is not right. It starts early, too. When kids and teens learn about respect, communication, and self-worth in school, they are more likely to carry those lessons into adulthood. For adults, education through community programs or workshops can open their eyes to behaviors they may not have even realized were abusive—whether they are the victim or the one causing harm. It can also help break the cycle for those who grew up around violence and think it is just a part of life. I have seen how important education is in the military as well. When people go through training and are given real examples and honest conversations, it helps shift the culture. It is not always easy, but education can start those hard conversations that lead to change. At the end of the day, education empowers people. It can give someone the courage to leave a bad situation or the self-awareness to change their own behavior. That kind of impact can save lives. How do you plan to use your degree and personal experiences to impact positive change for others? For me, getting my degree is not just about finishing school. It is about using everything I have been through to help others. I have served in the Navy for almost twenty years, and during that time I have mentored a lot of Sailors, supported families, and tried to lead by example. I have learned that sometimes just having someone who listens and shows up can make a big difference. I want to keep being that person even after I finish my military career. Right now, I am working on a degree in business administration. Eventually, I want to go to law school. My goal is to combine what I have learned in the Navy with my education to help people who often get overlooked. I want to advocate for veterans, for military families, and for my Native community. Growing up on the Navajo reservation and balancing military life with raising a family has taught me how important support and opportunity really are. Once I finish school, I want to create programs or businesses that help others grow. Whether that means helping veterans start new careers or giving young people tools to succeed, I want to be someone who builds others up. I have had people believe in me along the way, and now I want to do the same for others. My experiences have shaped who I am, and I plan to use them to make a real impact.

I still remember being a teenager on my grandmother’s land in Gallup, New Mexico, waking up before sunrise to help with the sheep, horses, and cows. Our days started early, with the sound of animals and the smell of cedar smoke in the air. As we herded livestock or hauled water, she would tell me stories. Some were traditional, others about how to survive with what you had, and all of them carried lessons. I did not realize it back then, but those early mornings taught me the power of storytelling, relationships, and trust. Today, those same values are leading me toward a future in sales and marketing. After nearly 19 years in the United States Navy, I have built a career on leadership, teamwork, and communication. I have served in different commands around the world, guided Sailors through challenges, and led major programs where communication was everything. Whether mentoring a junior Sailor or briefing leadership, I have seen how important it is to deliver a clear message that connects with people. That same ability is what makes great marketing stand out. What draws me to this field is not just the creativity, but the purpose behind it. Marketing, when done right, can build relationships, solve real problems, and make a meaningful difference. I have always been interested in how people think, what motivates them, and how a message can change someone’s opinion or action. In the military, getting others to buy into a mission often came down to how well we told the story. That connection between purpose and communication is what excites me most about marketing. A big part of my inspiration also comes from my culture. Growing up Navajo, stories were our way of teaching, preserving history, and guiding behavior. I see modern marketing as an extension of that, using words, visuals, and strategy to shape how people see a brand, a service, or even themselves. I want to bring that cultural perspective into my work and use it to build trust with the communities I serve. I am currently shifting my focus from a History degree to Business Administration, with long term plans to attend law school. But I know that sales and marketing will be a core part of any path I choose. These skills are critical for connecting with people, building partnerships, and driving impact. One of my goals is to help small businesses, especially veteran and minority owned ones, succeed in competitive markets. I have seen great ideas fail simply because no one knew about them. I want to change that. I want to be someone who helps others tell their story, reach their audience, and grow. Sales and marketing are more than a career to me. They are a chance to build something meaningful and give back. I am ready for that next step. Thank you for your time and consideration.