My journey is personal, but my work is for everyone.

Monik’s life and education have been full of challenging moments, but none so big she was willing to back down from her dreams and ambitions. She is a single mom dedicated to showing her children the possibilities an education provides – and they were able to witness that dedication firsthand during the pandemic. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in IT, she was also helping her two children and many other family members continue their educations through the pandemic.

Monik wants to use her IT degree to help her people and community flourish. Even before the pandemic, she could see how the lack of technology was holding them back. And as the world struggled to transition to virtual environments, it was even harder for Native communities. Less than half the Navajo Nation has access to broadband internet and for those with access, it is unaffordable.

Getting her degree in IT will put Monik in the unique position to better serve her tribal nation. Native peoples, especially females, are still greatly underrepresented in information technology, and that makes her voice and presence that much more powerful. For her people to get the access and resources necessary to fill the gaps in technology, it will take leaders like Monik to advocate for their needs.

Monik knows her degree will give her the platform she needs to fight for equity in technology.