Jessica Sanchez is bringing her passion for community health and giving back to her new full-time role with NB3 Foundation.
Jessica first joined NB3 Foundation in January as an intern with the Evaluation and Research Department. Over the past several months, she has had the opportunity to learn more about the Foundation’s work while contributing to the team. Now, she is continuing that journey as a full-time member of the department.
Jessica is from Santo Domingo Pueblo and is also Diné. She became familiar with the organization through her two younger brothers, who participated in NB3FIT youth programs. Later, while studying public health and connecting with others through evaluation and community health networks, she learned more about the wider scope of the organization’s work.
Currently, Jessica is pursuing her master’s degree in public health at the University of New Mexico with a concentration in community health. For her, staying close to home and finding ways to give back to tribal communities have been important parts of her education and career.
“I wanted to contribute to work that connects with our communities and the way we live our everyday lives,” Jessica said. “There is so much passion and heart behind the work here, and everyone shares that commitment.”
That connection is especially important in her work in evaluation and research. Jessica hopes to help create approaches that recognize Indigenous knowledge and the experiences Native youth and communities bring to the table.
“Research can come from a very Western perspective, so bringing our own Indigenous knowledge into the work is really important,” she said. “Our youth are knowledgeable, and their experiences should be part of that work. It’s about being able to bring our whole selves into what we do.”
Jessica also hopes to bring a new perspective to the team, challenge ways of thinking and find creative approaches to further the impact.
Before public health was on her radar, Jessica thought she might become a teacher, following in the footsteps of her mom, who is a kindergarten teacher. While her path changed, the values of learning, supporting others and giving back have remained central to what she does.
Outside of work and school, Jessica enjoys being outdoors and trail running. An ultrarunner, she has completed the Mount Taylor 50K and prefers the mountains over the beach. She also enjoys spending time with her husky, Luna.
