Hannah Norberto, a resident of Sheep Springs in the Navajo Nation, has faced significant challenges throughout her life. Despite growing up in a loving home, she and her family often struggled to meet basic needs due to financial constraints. Norberto recalls times when they could not afford essential services like electricity and utilities. "I remember times where my family often struggled with the financial strain of maintaining essential services like electricity and utilities in our Native community," Norberto said.
The struggles that Norberto's family faced are not uncommon in the Navajo Nation. Public data shows that nearly 36 percent of households in the region live below the federal poverty threshold, compared to 13 percent nationally.
As she grew older, Norberto felt compelled to improve conditions for herself and others living on the Reservation. In high school, she earned a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate through a pipeline program, which gave her firsthand insight into the struggles of her community, particularly among the elderly population.
In March 2020, as she turned 18, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Navajo Nation with devastating effects. The virus claimed lives at a disproportionately higher rate than any other community in the United States. During this time, Norberto experienced personal loss as well: her grandmother succumbed to cancer and her older brother took his own life following a mental health crisis.
Norberto channeled her grief into motivation to change these dire circumstances. She enrolled at The University of New Mexico College of Population Health with an interest in epidemiology. As part of her senior year studies, she interned with the New Mexico Department of Health’s Emerging Infections Program where she focused on outreach to Native communities in New Mexico.
Her research aimed at gathering information about current practices and policies related to data sharing and collaboration between various health entities and Tribal communities. The ultimate goal was to inform improvements in practice for better collaboration with Tribal communities and create more culturally competent access to data and care.
"It makes me feel good as an Indigenous person because my research will continue after my internship ends," Norberto said.
Upon graduation, Norberto plans to attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, to pursue a Master of Public Health degree. While she looks forward to the new experiences that studying in Rhode Island will bring, her ultimate goal is to return home and apply her knowledge to help marginalized communities achieve better health outcomes and equity.
"If another health crisis hits my home again, I will be on the frontlines working to protect my people," Norberto pledged.
She also has a message for current and future students: remember T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego, a Navajo teaching that emphasizes the importance of effort, hard work, and determination. "When life gets hard, continue to strive," Norberto advises.