My extracurricular activities, graduate degree, and thesis are fundamentally based on relationships, changing narratives, and changing systems to promote justice, equity, and more effective management. SMEA 500 (Dr. Anne Beaudreau) gave me a taste for knowledge and perspectives I had never heard from. Inspired and challenged I learned more inclusive methods and research paradigms in INSC 598 and GH 538 (Dr. Clarita Lefthand-Begay (Navajo Nation) and Dr. james Pfeiffer).

I honed these new approaches in my work for the UW CEHE providing technical assistance to Tribal entities. Here Dr. Lefthand-Begay’s mentorship and support changed my life forever. Rather than being told that I should engage with community members I was shown. Shown what meaningful engagement looked like, supported through regular meetings and organizational skill development, and inspired through her tireless work to help the communities she cared about. I was trusted to create and run a webinar series focused on sharing knowledge, inspiration, and creating community between Tribal entities. I learned more during these two quarters then I think I did throughout my entire undergrad experience.  

From Clarita’s class and my RAship at UW CEHE, I was introduced to strength-based approaches to wellness and an Indigenist Ecological Systems Model both of which are foundational to my thesis project at Chief Leschi Schools (CLS). I thank Clarita with all my heart for the satisfaction I feel when I can see I am genuinely supporting a partner and for the dexterity I am able to apply to my thesis project.