Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business lives in the heart of tribal communities. The name of my company, "hozhonigo", is a Diné lifeway guiding us to strive for the pursuit of beauty, peace, and harmony in all that we do as a means of honoring our ancestors and paving a good path for future generations. As I developed my business model, I felt that hozhonigo accurately captured my mission to preserve and honor our traditional ways of life and care for our babies, elders, and communities.

How do you stay motivated?

I have dedicated my educational and professional careers to serving tribal communities. Through these journeys I have the honor of meeting so many people and visiting so many communities. My motivation lies in knowing that the work I get to do every single day has a real life impact on our communities and in the lives of the very people I get to meet by securing grant funding for victim services, water infrastructure, language revitalization, housing, and many other critical areas.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am currently studying for my MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University. I would apply the $25,000 toward my tuition and any associated costs. I am seeking my MBA because the learning curve as a business owner has been incredibly steep. Through the MBA-AIE program, I am not only gaining knowledge to help me strengthen my own business but it will ensure that I can serve as a resource to other Native American entrepreneurs, especially Native women entrepreneurs.