• Hometown:Shiprock, NM
• Age during reign: 20
• Education: Teacher/Reading Specialist
  M.A. Ed Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
  B.A. Ed Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado
  Diné College, Tsaile, Arizona
  Albuquerque High School, New Mexico
  • I am (Nishlí): Water Flows Together People (To'aheedliini)
  • Born for (Báshíshchíín): Red Jaw or Red Bottom People (Tlaashchi'l)
  • My Maternal Grandparents are (Dashichei): Red Forehead People (Tachii'nii)
  • My Paternal Grandparents are (Dashinálí): Tobacco People (Natoh Dine'e)

What do you feel were your significant accomplishments during your reign as Miss Navajo Nation?
I had the opportunity to express the importance of education and the Diné Culture/Philosophy to the youth in various parts of the country.

What do you feel are your accomplishments in your career?
My accomplishment in my career has been successful and commendable. As an educator I believe in the power of teaching our young Native children the confidence and the high academic standards and contribute knowledge to our Nation's future.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Achieving my Maters Degree in Education.

What do you feel are your accomplishments in your life?
A wonderful family, my husband/children who are very supportive of me on what ever I elect to endeavor. In return I have the greatest respect and love for my family.

What are your fondest memories of your reign as Miss Navajo Nation?
Meeting different people of all nationalities, traveling, students, schools, famous people, dignitaries, (movie stars), and most of all my Dine people.

What challenges did you face as Miss Navajo Nation?
During my reign, it was unfortunate for me that I did not have an office to work from and transportation was limited. One reason was, the committee was new and they where still trying to get things organized.

What was your greatest learning experience during your reign as Miss Navajo Nation?
Personally, I have benefited enormously from the reigning as the ambassador of one of the largest Native American Indian people. The experience has showed be confidence, independence, ambition, respect, and set a goal for my future. With that in mind I continued my education.

What was required of you when you were running for Miss Navajo Nation?
As I recall, there was a list of guidelines to abide by. For example, I was not allowed to associate with any male personal, official chaperones were the only people to confer with. Several other requirements indicated that I had to be fluent in speaking Navajo, singing, and have knowledge of the Dine culture/tradition.

What is your advice to future Miss Navajo Nations?
My advice to future Miss Navajo Nation is to make very sure that is what you desire to do. Understand that there maybe obstacles that you may encounter during your reign. Be flexible, understand, responsible, self-discipline, and be professional about it. Resolve issues before they get out of hand. Remember, this is a renowned prestigious title and should be taken seriously.

Include your biography for Miss Navajo Nation website:
I am currently residing in Shiprock, New Mexico with my family. I am originally born and raised in Shiprock. I am married and have four children, one girl and three boys. Majority of my extended family and relatives live within and around the area. I am employed with Atsa Biyaazh community school K-12, in Shiprock. I am a certified teacher/reading specialist. I enjoy my work very much. My work involves overseeing the reading program, curriculum/program development, new school construction and various other committees.

I recently received my master's degree in Education from Arizona State University, Tempe. My future plan is to pursue my Doctoral Degree in Education and would like to write children's books some day. In my spare time I read, surf the Internet; e-mail friends visit my parents, horse riding, tending to livestock, shopping, and some farming. Another thing I do quite often, although I would not call it a hobby, is traveling. One of my recent trips was to Hawaii; this was most memorable for me. Experiencing the diverse Polynesian cultures and exploring the big island Hawaii. I am not going into any great detail about my personal life at this time. I'm a private person, but if someone has a question to ask me, then I usually talk freely of the subject. Until then, Ha'goo'nee.