Cynthia Tsosie is from a rural community of Steamboat, Arizona. Her matrilineal clan is Zuni Edgewater Clan born for Zuni Red Running into the water people clan. Initially, Cynthia received her Bachelor of Science degree in administration, then years later pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northern Arizona University School of Nursing. 

Her advocacy and caring for her late father, Arvin Tsosie, Sr., provides the narrative of the integration of Navajo holistic care and Western medicine and the continuous need for accessibility to specialized care. This life experience manifested into Cynthia’s passion to empower one’s ability to manage chronic conditions with regard to one’s cultural values. This has not only served as a lens to the inequities of healthcare within her community but it has also identified opportunities for improvement. 

Cynthia has been with Tséhootsooí Medical Center for the past ten years working as an inpatient clinical nurse and currently as ICU Charge Nurse. Her clinical interest is pursuing professional development as Sexually Assault Nurse Examiner while also acquiring skills and knowledge in Trauma Informed Care.

Her hobbies include gardening and weaving. She has woven various textiles and has focused her artistic weaving on making Navajo twill saddle blankets. This has offered her a mental space of peace, wellness and humility. Ms. Tsosie is gracious to be part of HEAL Southwest Leadership Cohort and learn from its team members.