Monica Monroe named 2025 CHHS Distinguished Senior
Monica Monroe, the 2025 College of Health and Human Services Distinguished Senior, has turned her passion for health and helping others into meaningful action. From launching a nonprofit to engaging in hands-on community work, her dedication to serving her community is exactly what earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Read on to learn more about Monica’s path to public health, the origins of her nonprofit Defend Our Community, and the meaningful relationships that have defined her time at NAU.
What inspired your passion for public health?
Before I had any affiliation with NAU, I was unfamiliar with the field of public health. I was introduced to public health during my internship with Kristan Elwell during the 2019 2NAU summer BRIDGE program. I knew I wanted to help the Native American population, but I just didn’t know where to start or what I was capable of. My internship experience showed me a different approach that allows me to connect my associate’s degree in psychology with public health. Living on the Navajo reservation, I’ve seen many health disparities that were impacting the Diné people, leading to mental health disorders, suicide, alcoholism, and substance abuse. I also witnessed the lack of resources, outreach, and preventive programs, especially for those residing in isolated and underserved areas. After my internship with Kristan, my passion ignited, and it drove my inspiration to become one of the few to bring hope and change. I wanted to be the person who goes out to the people to interact and develop a kinship, learning and assessing what type of health disparity was being experienced to help identify what assistance is needed to improve health and livelihood.
In 2020, you founded Defend Our Community, a non-profit organization. Could you share a bit about its mission and your experience leading it?
The mission of Defend Our Community was to deliver essential care packages, provide information about COVID-19, and assess living conditions to help identify the needs of Diné elders and high-risk families during the pandemic. Our care packages provided PPE, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, non-perishable food, water, pet food, and winter clothing. Leading this mission was certainly challenging with long hours, harsh weather and road conditions, and exhaustion– mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through this experience, I’ve gained field experience in gathering and recording data, identifying the needs through community engagement, mapping residential locations using Google Maps, and establishing connections with other people, grassroot groups, and non-profit organizations that have similar goals for the people. Through this work, I think the most important and rewarding experience was developing kinship with many community members whom I still visit and continue to help.
What is your favorite memory from the public health program at NAU?
My favorite memory from the public health program was getting to know my instructors and the immense support and encouragement I received from each of them. Although I’m an online student, I spend the majority of my study time at the Cline Library on campus. NAU was certainly new to me, and when I was having a difficult time, whether it was with my assignment or something personal in my life, they didn’t hesitate to meet with me. Reuniting with Professor Kristan Elwell was one of my most memorable moments, as it had been about four years since we last saw each other after my summer internship. The memory I will cherish the most was meeting and getting to know one of the most amazing and caring instructors I’ve ever had, the late Professor Rundell. Whenever I met with Professor Rundell and the other public health instructors, they always made me feel like I truly belonged to the Public Health program and were always willing to listen and talk with me.
What are your plans for after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to restart and rebrand my non-profit organization, Defend Our Community, and continue to help provide essential aid and assistance to Diné elders, veterans, and families in need. Through my community work, I’ve developed connections and collaborations with similar grassroots organizations and veteran organizations that share similar goals. I have numerous ideas for various initiatives that are needed for different population groups within the Native American community, such as mental health and food security initiatives, aid for preparation for winter and summer seasons, community engagement and interactions, as well as community cleanups.
What does it mean to you to be named the CHHS Distinguished Senior?
Being named the College of Human and Health Services Distinguished Senior is an incredible honor that fills me with gratitude, pride, and humility. Being selected for this recognition represents not only my personal achievements but also the strength, perseverance, and support of everyone who has guided me along this journey: my professors, mentors, classmates, family, and community.
As a first-generation college student, this moment holds deep meaning. The path was certainly not always easy, but it has been driven by determination and my desire to create new opportunities, not only for myself, but for those who come after me. As a Native American woman and a mother, I am especially proud to be a role model for my children and for others in our Native communities. I want them to see that education is powerful, that it can open doors, strengthen our voices, and help us give back to the people and places that have shaped us.
Throughout my time at CHHS, I have learned that health and human services are far more than a profession; it is a calling to serve others with compassion, empathy, and respect. This honor reminds me that even small acts of kindness and leadership can make a lasting impact. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons and values of this college to lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and serve with purpose. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to represent my family, my community, and all those who continue to inspire me to strive for more.
Congratulations to Monica Monroe on this well-deserved recognition.
Contributed by Business Administration, Marketing undergraduate student, Katie Fahy