Owner of Hozho Consulting LLC, operations manager at Alianza NORCO
24 Years Old • Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I am a tribal citizen of the Navajo Nation. I moved to Northern Colorado to study at Colorado State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in legal and indigenous studies. From an early age, I’ve been deeply engaged in multicultural spaces, and I’m driven by a strong commitment to social justice. I believe that gathering community is essential in reminding us of our shared responsibility to look after one another, and in doing so, we can work toward change and secure freedom together.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
My career began as the Native American Cultural Center liaison at CSU, where I designed events centered on indigenous lifestyles, cultural awareness and celebrations. Among those invited were leaders, activists and traditional dancers, all of whom encouraged the advancement of tribal sovereignty. Later, in my role at United Way of Larimer County, I supported the launch and management of the Community Impact Center, facilitating 11 BIPOC and queer grassroot nonprofits in business development and collaboration. Now at Alianza NORCO, I assist with grant writing, financial strategy and program management to strengthen legal and integration services for immigrant families. This work fills my heart with purpose and joy.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
In my work, I witness our community experience high levels of health inequity and economic instability due to a variety of systematic barriers. Generally, folks struggle with anxiety, depression and fear of family separation. In response to this crisis, I founded a healing practice to offer free auricular acupuncture and create space for individuals to process trauma and grief held within the body. From my mother, I was also taught how to smudge (spiritually cleanse) others, and in these healing sessions, I practice culturally informed care. After the sessions, people report feeling lighter, relaxed and even sleepier.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
As a young woman in the professional world, I struggled with the inability to break through the glass ceiling, even when I demonstrated the skills and professional capacity to guide projects and influence programmatic decision-making. Instead of accepting the stagnation in my career, I knew the best option was to venture out into opportunities that would cherish my talents and strengths. The lesson is to always bet on yourself and keep growing.
Tell us something unique about you.
I’ve traveled to more countries than I’ve visited states in the U.S. I love exploring the world and being on the go, which is hilarious because I barely got my driver’s license a year ago.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I aim to have established legal and health revenue-generating programs for Alianza NORCO to become more financially independent. That would allow the organization to continue providing services that empower immigrants, regardless of funding and governing challenges. In 10 years, I hope to have learned more traditional healing practices and ceremony protocols to bring me closer to my community and ancestral teachings. By that point, I also hope to be happily married and (fingers crossed) a homeowner.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and allow yourself to rest when you’re overwhelmed. Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down and your brain can no longer compute. People are more understanding than we tend to believe, and we must give ourselves more grace.
What is auricular acupuncture, and how does it help people heal from trauma?
Auricular acupuncture is a community-based healing practice grounded in the belief that the ear reflects a microsystem of the entire body: the organs, meridians and emotions. Stimulation of specific points modulates the nervous system and supports detoxification pathways associated with the Shen Men (spirit gate), kidneys, liver and lungs, contributing to improved behavioral health outcomes. Oftentimes, we hold onto painful memories and experiences, not just in our hearts, but also in our body. This trauma-informed approach to recovery allows us to process grief, anger and fear that would otherwise be stagnated.
What led you to have a heart for nonprofits?
I believe that the nonprofit sector gives me the chance to make a direct impact in the communities that are affected by systemic harm. Through my work at Alianza NORCO, I can see change and improvement of people’s lives in real time, whether by supporting families with pro bono legal representation or helping them gain access to health resources and programs. I know that somebody will leave our organization feeling a sense of hope and happiness. It’s important to understand that the love I have for the community is also reciprocated; gratitude is a powerful and humbling reminder of why Alianza’s work matters.
Local business shoutout:
American Healing and Wellness LLC is an immigrant-owned and -operated small business located in Fort Collins with hybrid and virtual accessibility. Individuals are connected virtually with bilingual telehealth counselors to receive one-on-one support in a consistent and timely manner in response to a mental health crisis. The licensed behavioral health providers who conduct the sessions are based in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Ukraine, meaning they are not just able to speak our clients’ language, but they also intrinsically understand their culture and can offer relevant support.
