Flagstaff – On Feb. 21, I was invited to the 36th Annual Meeting and ATHENA Awards ceremony at Northern Arizona University, organized by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. There, I had the opportunity to learn more about community engagement and focused on economic prosperity within the greater Flagstaff region, which includes the Navajo Nation.
Additionally, I was engaged in the Q&A session with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, where she actively shared updates on the concerns of the state of Arizona.
Governor Hobbs was the keynote speaker, and she shared that her focus was on housing, childcare, homeland security, economic growth, educational funding, and healthcare access. Hobbs said she is working diligently to address state concerns by advocating for these topics, particularly in rural Arizona.
“We don’t want to talk about it because it’s too hard to deal with, but, if we’re not addressing key issues and issuing workforce, then there will be no progress,” Hobbs said.
I offer congratulations to Mary West, executive director of development for Navajo Gaming, who received the “Chamber Champion of the Year” in her work for our gaming enterprises across the Navajo Nation.
I would also like to congratulate the ATHENA recipients who were awarded and acknowledged for their hard work and advocacy.
It was inspiring and I am grateful for the ongoing support that we have towards our women leaders throughout Arizona.
I would like to thank the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to this event. It brings an insight of what the Navajo Nation can do to help support our local businesses and regional economies.
