Celebrating our 2024 NASWAC Cohort!

The Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) extends heartfelt gratitude to the inaugural cohort of the Native American Student Webinar Advisory Coalition (NASWAC) for their remarkable dedication and commitment to advancing cancer health equity.

Group photo of NASWAC scholars and program co-managers

This talented group of Native American scholars has brought fresh perspectives and invaluable insights to our mission of supporting Indigenous voices in cancer research education. Through their collaborative efforts, advocacy, and mentorship, they have laid a strong foundation for promoting health equity and education within Indigenous communities.

We are deeply grateful for their contributions in shaping a dynamic webinar series that focuses on diverse cancer health equity approaches for Indigenous populations in the Four Corners region. Their hard work and passion will leave a lasting impact on the field and inspire future cohorts.

Thank you, NASWAC 2024, for your unwavering commitment to this important work!

Learn about the most impactful part of the 2024 cohort members’ participation in the NASWAC program.

Headshot of Jowun Ben

Jowun Ben (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo 

University/college: Arizona State University 

Program of study: Biomedical Sciences 

Academic level: Undergraduate Senior

 

The most impactful part of my participation in the NASWAC program thus far is being introduced to an Indigenous researchers and their contributions to bettering our communities using science. 
Utahana Dayzie wearing a black and white top with a green and coral beaded necklace and green butterfly earrings

Utahana Dayzie (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo 

University/college: Diné College/Northern Arizona University 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

 

I would have to say participating in the NASWAC program has been most impactful because I’ve been introduced to many people who work in the healthcare field and received advice and meaningful words of encouragement from them. This program has helped with my confidence in my journey of being a Graduate student in the public health program at NAU because I can speak with other people who are on the same journey as I am. It is nice to get together with the members of NASWAC and have informative conversations about various topics we are introduced to. 
Diedre' Goodluck wearing a white top with a silver necklace and long coral earrings

Diedre’ Goodluck (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo 

University/college: Northern Arizona University 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

 

The most impactful part of the NASWAC mentorship program has been connecting with other Indigenous scholars who share a commitment to health equity. Growing up immersed in community, this cohort and the objectives further reinforce the importance of collaboration and culturally centered frameworks in addressing health disparities and advancing health equity research within Indigenous communities. 
Tawnjerae Joe wearing a light brown top and a diamond necklace

Tawnjerae Joe (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo 

University/college: Northern Arizona University

Program of study: Interdisciplinary Health 

Academic level: Graduate Doctoral

 

The most impactful part of the NASWAC program is learning of Native scholars and professionals with different educational backgrounds and field of study. They offered to share their knowledge, wisdom, and opportunities we can do to be involved in Indian country.

Headshot of Joshua Massey

Joshua Massey (he/him/his) 

Tribal affiliation: White Mountain Apache 

University/college: University of Arizona 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Undergraduate Junior

 

What has been the most impactful part of my participation in the NASWAC program thus far is hearing the impactful stories that have brought together the resilience that Native Communities share among one another with different approaches to address underlying health issues and sharing ways to help approach the issues at hand. 
Sanjiv Thompson wearing a black top, pink beaded necklace, and long shiny earrings

Sanjiv Thompson (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: White Mountain Apache 

University/college: Arizona State University 

Program of study: Indigenous Education 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

 

The NASWAC program has provided me with a window of opportunities to explore many health disparities our Indigenous communities are faced with that we do not think about or follow. It has introduced me to a group of Indigenous students who are passionate about their field of work and all the hard work they do for their communities. We have met some amazing speakers who are very knowledgeable in their fields and are willing to share their knowledge, collaborate if needed, and share ideas. With amazing mentorship from Carm and Jennifer.
Kaniesha Valley wearing a black top and a thin turquoise necklace

Kaniesha Valley (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Acoma Pueblo 

University/college: University of New Mexico 

Program of study: Population Health 

Academic level: Undergraduate Senior

 

The most impactful part of being apart of NASWAC has been the webinars by providing education about the importance and challenges that can be faced when participating and/or running a webinar. 
Asia-Soleil Yazzie wearing a red top and a silver and turquoise necklace

 

Asia Soleil Yazzie (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo 

University/college: New Mexico State University 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

The NASWAC gave me a sense of community. The guest speakers each provided a nugget of hope, insight, and encouragement to continue in my educational journey. This program overall gave me the opportunity to broaden my mind to new ways of thinking to better serve the communities I work in. 
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