Rising Leader Spotlight: Nadira Mitchell

Meet Nadira Mitchell, a rising leader from Tucson, Arizona.

INTERVIEW BY AMBER BENALLY

You joined us in 2020 for LeaderShift. What brought you to the Rising Leaders Program?

I was interested in talking with people my age about issues in the Southwest and making sure the Indigenous perspective is heard. LeaderShift was super interesting because this is not something you learn in a classroom. If you’re a STEM major you don’t get to learn the people’s history of the land. You can always learn more from other people and being able to talk to others about the land is super important in an educational journey.

What was your inspiration for getting involved in conservation as a young person?

I live in a dry desert and I remember the snails during monsoon season and seeing them made me realize that there’s deeper connections in natural areas. I used to tally mark the number of snails and that was my first interaction with wildlife or taking part in a somewhat scientific method. My family also instilled many traditional Navajo teachings about wildlife, respect for animals, and other life. I was always taught never to be afraid of bugs, or bees, or spiders, and even the ants.

What are your hopes for the future?

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in natural resources with an emphasis in wildlife conservation management and minoring in American Indian studies. I hope to be a natural resources manager specifically with wildlife. Another dream is to pursue a Ph.D. and work for the Navajo Nation within conservation, or act as a tribal liaison for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I’m really excited to see what opportunities will arise for me! I just want to work in conservation, with wildlife, and integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge. I want to make sure tribes have a seat at the table when working on land management in conservation.

Who is your conservation or environmental justice hero and why?

My mom. She works in public health and I feel like most of my values come from her and that’s because of her teachings and her family’s teachings. Even though she is not directly involved in the conservation movement, her teachings are why I want to give back to my communities and back to the environment.

The Grand Canyon Trust’s Rising Leaders Program brings young people together to build leadership, advocacy, and professional skills and work toward creating a more just and sustainable future for the Colorado Plateau. Learn more ›