Nizhoni grew up on the Navajo Reservation where her love for the outdoors began. Having spent much of her childhood without running water or electricity, she learned to appreciate the small things. She started a career in health care that lasted eight years and struggled with the decision to transition to conservation work; however, once she was outside, she knew she was home. 

Nizhoni lives in Phoenix but returns to the Navajo Reservation once a month to continue to haul water for her father, eat mutton, and reconnect with her roots. When she’s not dragging everyone she knows to go on a hike, she can be found reading, drawing, or watching 80’s horror movies.