Diné College Student Leaders Attend National Conference in Atlanta
TSAILE, Ariz., Student leaders from Diné College traveled to Atlanta to participate in the 2025 National Conference on Student Life, marking the fourth year the college has sent representatives to the national event that gathers college students to explore student leadership, community service, and personal and professional growth.
The conference featured keynote speakers and workshops centered on student identity and personal development. The themes encouraged students to reflect on their individual goals and how they align with the College’s mission and values. The experience, organized by the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership under Student Affairs, provided great insights to help and support student leaders strengthen their program planning and leadership skills.
“Attending the National Conference on Student Life was a meaningful experience that helped me grow both personally and academically,” said Retresha A. Holtsoi, a Diné College student leader. “The workshops pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and really think about the kind of leader I want to be. I am coming back feeling inspired, more self-aware, and excited to bring new ideas and confidence into my role.”
Another student leader, Oddonniss D. King, described the conference as a “crucial and learning opportunity that significantly enhanced my understanding of leadership, personal wellbeing, and the importance of responsibility for my family, community, and self.” King added, “I learned beneficial strategies in assisting peers, how to recognize the mental, emotional, and physical signs of burnout, how to align the values that I gained with my future career path, and how to create long-lasting systems that foster both professional and personal development.”
College leadership commended the students for their engagement and the positive impact it will bring to the campus community. “This conference provides a supportive opportunity for our student leaders to grow and connect with peers from across the nation,” said Thomas Bennett, Interim Vice-President of Student Affairs. “Their participation enriches their own development and also strengthens our entire college community by bringing new ideas and inspiration. We are incredibly proud of them for representing Diné College on a national stage.”
(PHOTO: L-R: Kameica Yazzie, Retresha Holtsoi, Cina Curley, Oddonniss King, Janae James, Ashleigh Chee, Cordasia Teller and Tylia Begaye)
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