Yá'át'ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é. Shí éí Marisa Howell yinishyé.
That is who I am. That is who you are. That is who we are.
My name is Marisa Nez, and I am the creator of Strong Diné Asdzání, a space dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and honoring the voices of Navajo women
This is who I am
Always introduce yourself with a firm handshake
I am Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Naasht'ézhi Tábąąhá (Zuni Water Edge Clan). My maternal grandfather is Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), and my paternal grandfather is Naakai dine'é (The Mexican Clan). I am from Page, Arizona, located just outside the Navajo Reservation, and my grandparents, Viola Redshirt and David Slim, are from LeChee, AZ, and Bittersprings, AZ.
I was raised in Cameron, Arizona, in a humble white trailer powered by an extension cord from my step-father's bimásání's bighaan (maternal grandmother's home). Growing up, we didn't have running water, so we hauled water every week and boiled it on the wood stove. At a young age, my mother (shimá) taught me everything she knows as a Dine Asdzaa .
We often had large family gatherings with cousins and extended family, all connected through our shared heritage. I feel privileged and blessed to have been raised with strong traditional parents who encouraged us to participate in ceremonies from a young age. As I've grown older, I've come to understand the deep significance of participating in the Native American Church (NAC) and the responsibility of how we carry ourselves, especially as a Diné (Navajo).
My purposeWhen I moved off the reservation, one of the biggest changes wasn't just having a gym nearby, it was realizing how much access shapes our health. Growing up, I didn't know what progressive overload was, how to build a workout plan, or even where to start in a gym.
My mom didn't either. Now she can run. Her knees don't hurt like they used to. She's stronger, more flexible, and can hold a plank using nothing but her own body weight.
That transformation reminded me that sometimes people don't need more motivation, they need someone to show them where to begin. That's why I share these workouts. Not because everyone has a fully equipped gym, but because every Diné family deserves to feel strong, capable, and confident, no matter where they live. If one person back home feels less intimidated to move their body because of something I shared, then I'm doing exactly what I hoped this platform would do.
Q & A
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In 2022, I stopped drinking alcohol, and my life changed for the better. Over time, as I listened to other women's unique stories, I realized we all have something in common, our experiences are meant to be shared to inspire, and uplift others.
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I’ve discovered that my journey has inspired and supported many young women who needed encouragement. My hope is to continue helping others feel confident and empowered by creating a safe space where they can grow. To do this, I want to share experiences and stories that will help us live a better, more fulfilling life.
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Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, supportive women. My grandmother, mom, and her two older sisters, they showed me the importance of generosity, and family. Their willingness to always be there for others left a lasting impression on me. As the oldest granddaughter on both sides of my family, I naturally fell into a role of mentorship, with younger cousins and siblings often looking to me for guidance. These experiences taught me how important it is to show up for others, especially when they’re struggling. It’s a reminder that being present and offering support can make a real difference in someone’s life.
Inner healing starts with forgiving yourself
Forgive yourself