Former Miss Navajo Nation continuing to serve community with global health degree

As a former Miss Navajo Nation, culture and community are at the heart of what drives Alyson Shirley, an ASU Online graduate student in Arizona State University’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change.

“Even if you teach one person something, it’s enough because that person will go teach another person,” Shirley told Smithsonian Magazine in 2015. 

Although Shirley’s reign as Miss Navajo Nation concluded in 2016, she has continued to serve Native American communities while pursuing a master’s degree in global health. She is graduating this month.

While at ASU, Shirley interned with the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care. Through in-depth research and collaborations with community leaders, Shirley contributed to grant proposals aimed at improving access to vaccines and fostering vaccine confidence among Native American communities.

“This experience not only deepened my understanding of public health initiatives but also allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges, particularly in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity within Indigenous populations,” said Shirley.

Her commitment to her community and academic excellence were rewarded with a scholarship from the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance.

Shirley will be completing her studies in December, but for her, graduation is just the beginning.

“After graduation, my goal is to work directly with Indigenous communities to address their health needs and improve health outcomes. I aim to focus on public health initiatives that promote health equity, enhance access to health care and empower communities to lead their own health solutions,” said Shirley.

ASU News talked with Shirley about her experiences as a global health major.

Question: Why did you choose ASU for your graduate studies?

Answer: I chose ASU because of its strong commitment to addressing global health issues and its focus on promoting social equity, particularly within underserved communities. ASU’s diverse academic programs, interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on real-world applications of knowledge aligned perfectly with my passion for improving Indigenous health and addressing health disparities. Additionally, ASU’s collaborative environment and its location in Arizona, home to many Native American tribes, provided a unique opportunity to engage with local communities and gain practical experience in my field of interest. The university's focus on innovation and its resources for supporting students pursuing careers in public health made it the ideal place to further my education and professional development.

Q: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to pursue a master’s degree in global health?

A: My "aha" moment came when I realized the deep health disparities facing Indigenous communities, including my own, and how these challenges were often overlooked in mainstream public health discussions. Growing up on the Navajo Nation, I witnessed firsthand the barriers to health care access and the mistrust many Indigenous people have toward the health care system. 

This sparked my passion for studying global health, specifically focusing on the unique needs of Indigenous populations. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution, bridging cultural gaps and improving health outcomes through culturally relevant, community-driven approaches. This realization led me to pursue a degree in global health, where I could make a meaningful impact in addressing these disparities and advocating for Indigenous communities on a broader scale.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One of the most surprising and perspective-shifting lessons I learned at ASU was the complexity of health disparities and the profound impact of cultural context on health outcomes. While I had always been aware of the disparities facing Indigenous communities, my studies deepened my understanding of how historical trauma, social determinants of health and systemic barriers intersect to create significant health inequities. I learned how vital it is to approach public health initiatives through a culturally sensitive lens, recognizing that solutions must be tailored to the unique needs of each community. 

This perspective has changed the way I think about health interventions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, trust-building and respect for cultural values in creating sustainable, effective health solutions.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Rosanne Schuster, assistant research scientist in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, taught me many valuable lessons during my time at ASU, but most importantly, she taught me to be confident, especially when it comes to owning my knowledge and expertise. Her guidance helped me recognize the value of my perspective and the importance of trusting in my skills and abilities. This lesson has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, empowering me to advocate for myself and confidently contribute to the field of global health and Indigenous health.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it's through internships, research projects or networking. Also, trust in your unique perspective and expertise — recognize that your voice and experiences are valuable. Lastly, stay focused on your goals, but be open to adapting along the way. Your path may evolve, but the skills and knowledge you gain will always serve you in unexpected ways.

Q: How will you use your degree?

A: I am particularly interested in leveraging my background in global health and my experience with Indigenous health to advocate for culturally relevant policies and interventions. Additionally, I plan to continue building relationships with tribal organizations and pursuing opportunities that allow me to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern health care practices.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would focus on improving access to health care and addressing health disparities in Indigenous communities. This funding would be directed towards creating sustainable health care solutions that are culturally relevant, such as expanding access to primary care, mental health services and preventative care. 

A portion of the funding would also go toward building trust between health care providers and Indigenous populations through education, community engagement and trauma-informed care practices. By empowering communities to take control of their health and well-being, this initiative would help address systemic inequities and improve long-term health outcomes for Indigenous people.