For Colleen Acque, the best part of working as Executive Administrative Assistant for Fire Rock Navajo Casino is the celebrations. “I am most proud of helping the leadership team with all employee events such as summer bash, Christmas party, BBQ events and setting up the leadership team retreat,” Acque said. Acque is from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Her clans are Bitch’kwe and child of Dowa’kwe. She attended Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After she graduated from high school, she attended UNM Gallup Branch and received a certificate in Business Administration. After a one-year break, she returned to college and attended National American University where she received an associate degree in Travel and Airline/Hospitality Program.

Players Club Supervisor Thelda Begay, an employee for 15 years at Navajo Gaming, has the following advice for anyone just starting at Navajo Gaming or any comparable job. “Be passionate about the job, have strong communication skills, and have confidence in yourself and your work,” she said. “It’s important to be reliable and be a team player. Whether you work directly with guests or behind the scenes, collaboration is essential.”

Earlinda Bitsoie, Director of Payroll Services for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, first found out about Navajo Gaming through friends. Starting as an Accounts Payable Clerk, she climbed the ladder to Payroll Supervisor, Payroll Manager and now works as the Director of Payroll Services.

Valencia Henderson, Purchasing Manager for Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, grew up in Twin Lakes, New Mexico. Her maternal clan is Tódík’ǫ́zhí (Salt Water Clan) and her paternal clan is Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People Clan). Henderson’s maternal grandfather was of the Áshįįhi (Salt People Clan) and her paternal grandparents were of the Mą'ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez People Clan). Her great-grandmother had a tough time saying her name so she called Valencia baby Cia. The name Valencia was given to her by one of her aunts, and her aunts still call her Cia.

Michelle Jarvison, Slot Supervisor for Fire Rock Navajo Gaming, said she has had an excellent experience working at Navajo Gaming. “In the past 15 years, I have met and worked with many wonderful people,” she said. Jarvison’s maternal clan is Naakai Dine'e people (Mexican clan) and her paternal clan is Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House clan). Her first job was with the slot department, working in the gift shop. “I was interviewed by Ray Etsitty,” Jarvison said. “He told me I would make a good slot attendant. I had no idea what a slot attendant was at the time. I was just excited to get hired, so it didn't matter. I worked as a slot attendant for 5 years under former slot directors Paul Hamm and Derrick Yazzie.”

Aletta Joe, Cage Manager for Fire Rock Navajo Gaming, takes pride in moving up in her department over the past 15 years. “Because of my hard work and dedication, this has become more than a job,” Joe said. “It has become my career.” Joe’s maternal clan is Red Running into Water, born for the Red Bottom People. She grew up in Gallup, New Mexico, and enjoyed running track and cross country during high school. Joe is currently taking college courses and plans to use her newly gained knowledge in her gaming career. Her favorite hobby today is riding her motorcycle. Joe began her job with Navajo Gaming in 2008.

Alan Martin said he has experienced much pleasure and pride during his 15 years as a Shipping & Receiving Clerk at Fire Rock Navajo Casino. Martin takes pride in being named Employee of the Month and receiving his ADOT Badge, but he said he particularly enjoys working with his fellow employees. “There are such a lot of good people who work in Navajo Gaming,” he said. “I’ve learned from them how to be well organized and how to get along with people.”

Gift Shop Supervisor Shylah Martin is proud to have worked for Navajo Gaming for 15 years. “Congratulations to all my other teammates who share this 15-year achievement with me,” Martin said. “I’m very grateful/thankful for this job that has allowed me to provide for my family. Time flew, it doesn’t seem like 15 years at all.” Martin started with Navajo Gaming as a Gift Shop Clerk, working his way up to Gift Shop Supervisor. He said he grew with the company and learned a lot from his former marketing manager. “I think this job matured me a lot and made me work towards reaching my goals,” he said. Martin said he enjoys receiving 10 hours PTO every pay period, the incentives, health benefits, training, and the fun atmosphere in Marketing. “I can spend time with my son, family, and friends with this job,” she said. “I like to camp, travel, and watch high school basketball. I’m very thankful for this job.” Martin takes pride in being named Employee of the Month and receiving his ADOT Badge, but she said she particularly enjoys working with her fellow employees. “There are such a lot of good people who work in Navajo Gaming,” she said. “I’ve learned from them how to be well organized and how to get along with people.”

Sara Lewis Montoya, 67, was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico and grew up north of Church Rock, New Mexico. Her clans are Meadow People Clan and Red Streak Clan. She attended elementary/middle school at Standing Rock Boarding School and Crownpoint Boarding School. Montoya graduated from Gallup High School. Now employed as Fire Rock Navajo Casino’s Shipping and Receiving Supervisor, she said she loves having a job that allows her to work with new materials, become more creative, make mistakes, and learn from her mistakes. “Working with Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is extremely exciting because it’s the first casino on the Navajo Reservation and it’s very special to be a part of a historical development for our people,” Montoya said. “Colleagues who have helped and guided me along the way are Cecelia Au, Steve Hoskie, Mary West, Lori Ortega, Felicia Chee, Jeremiah McCabe, and Lionel Livingston. They all made a great impact on my job status. They encouraged me with a smile and helped played a big role when issues needed to be resolved.”

Virginia E. Perry is thankful for the past 15 years at Navajo Nation Gaming. “We are all a family here,” she said. “I believe anyone can do 15 years, just believe in yourself, and challenge yourself each day. I can say I did my best in everything that was given to me and in return I appreciated that the company took care of me and my family.” Perry grew up in Church Rock, New Mexico. Her clan is Bitter Water for Towering House.