Desiree Benally, a student at Utah State University Blanding, embodies more than academic achievement as Miss Utah Navajo, she represents her heritage and strives to make a difference in her community. A member of the Folded Arms People clan, she's passionate about maintaining cultural traditions and inspiring the next generation. "I am from the Folded Arms People clan, born for the Near the Water Clan. My maternal grandfather is from the Water’s Edge Clan, and my paternal grandfather is from the Bitter Water Clan," Benally said, as per USU Today.
In her role, Benally has taken to fully embrace and openly share her culture, be it volunteering with nonprofits like Warm Elders or singing the Navajo National Anthem at regional events. Despite not being fluent in Navajo, Benally is determined to "continue to grow" in her understanding and use of the language. She mentioned that "there's a lot of responsibility that comes with teaching the younger generation about our culture and speaking the language," as obtained by USU Today.
Benally's tenure as Miss Utah Navajo isn't just about wearing a crown, it’s about bringing cultural awareness and encouraging educational endeavors. She's driven to motivate young Navajo women to honor their heritage and be fearless in their academic and personal aspirations. She believes it's important for Navajo girls to "learn these values and cultural teachings, and to be confident and proud to introduce yourself in Navajo," as she told USU Today.
Her commitment extends beyond the pageant stage, influencing her academic choices at USU Blanding. Among the opportunities she has seized, Benally attended the pre-law summer program Law as Influence, and Law as Change, and adventured on a study abroad trip to Ireland. These experiences are not just to broaden her horizon but also to better prepare her for a future in aiding the Navajo Nation's criminal justice system, a goal she aims surely to achieve after law school. She plans to come back and work within the Navajo Nation, either as an attorney or by working in the judicial branch.
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