Choctaw tribal member achieves goal through Career Development program
Choctaw tribal member Natasha Northcross, originally from Sherman Oakes, Calif., has recently earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from California State University Northridge. A participant in the Choctaw Nation’s Career Development Program, Northcross is now living her dream of giving back to her community and her tribe.
As someone who has always volunteered her time to help others, Northcross worked for organizations like the JTP Films’ Jet Travolta Foundation and Passport Health (a public health franchise) during her time in school. Her work with JTP included reviewing grant applications for programs related to autism.
"I found it very enlightening and rewarding to know that I was at the forefront of making a difference in communities," she said. Northcross volunteered at events organized to improve the campus of the Motion Picture Television Fund; something that “gave me perspective on what it means to give back to those less fortunate.” She feels she gained "memorable experiences that helped shape her future.”
In addition to her volunteer work, Northcross worked in various other fields such as healthcare, travel, construction and education. Working part time and taking a full load at school meant very little time for much else, but she still managed to be involved in school clubs and community service. Northcross chose healthcare administration because she had “set her sights on being a leader in Native American communities and to make a difference in the current health system.”
Upon graduation, Northcross knew she wanted to work for Indian Health Services and kept watching their website for the perfect position. A couple of attempts at jobs were unsuccessful, so she reached out to Career Development’s Employment Services for help. Stacy Hallmark who is located in the Hugo and Durant offices helped Natasha with a resume and interview skills. Northcross says, “I learned you really need to prepare for interviews and utilize your resources in order to be successful.”
After two extensive phone interviews, Northcross was hired at Indian Health Services working in the Diabetes and Prevention Division in Washington, D.C and has already been promoted to Budget and Accounting Analyst. When asked what she likes best about her new job, Northcross states, “I’m doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been given the opportunity to give back to my community in a BIG way by contributing to efforts to make American Indians and Alaska Natives healthier. My division hopes to turn the tide of the diabetes epidemic and I’m proud to be a part of a great team.” Her advice to others, “I believe that you need to get into your community and experience as much as possible. Find something you are passionate about and try to connect with organizations that meet your purpose. Once you have identified your dream, pursue a career that will help you achieve your goal. Utilize all your available resources, such as those through the Choctaw Nation.”
Northcross would like to thank the Career Development program, "especially Bettye Bolen and Stacy Hallmark for encouraging me to achieve my dreams." Bolen is the career counselor who works with tribal members outside Oklahoma and Texas. Northcross is also grateful to the Choctaw Nation for its support of programs helping to advance self-sustaining careers.
Choctaw Nation Career Development provides a comprehensive array of career guidance services, workforce skills development, academic skills enhancement, and financial education that enables members of the Choctaw Nation to obtain recognized certifications in a variety of vocations. For more information, log on to choctawcareers.com.