Angelina Grey
Master of Community and Regional Planning, 2017

How you describe who you are and the work you do?

I am Big Water and Towering House; Tangle Clan and Black Sheep. I am Diné originally from Vanderwagon, in rural west-central New Mexico.

I completed the master’s program in Community and Regional Planning (CRP) in 2017. Upon completion of the program, I gained employment with the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (NWNMCOG) in Gallup, NM. NWNMCOG oversees the tri-counties in the northwest region of the state: San Juan County, McKinley County, and Cibola County. COGs are quasi-governmental regional planning agencies, seven organizations in New Mexico, that provide technical assistance to local and member governments. While my primary focus is the McKinely County region, I also provide assistance to neighboring counties.

What are you working on now?

Since joining this organization, I have been actively involved in several projects, including the development of the McKinley County Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan, the successful procurement of Community Development Block Grant Awards (CDBG) to fund local capital infrastructure projects, assisting local governments with planning priorities and grant funding opportunities. Current major project: regionalization initiative for McKinley County’s local small water systems (special districts) and the development of a county-wide water program.

What are your responsibilities in your position?

Being active with our local and member governments, including Navajo Chapters and Pueblos.

What makes your work personally rewarding?

I am ardent with the work that I do.  My work recognizes and provides a voice for under-represented communities in my region, with a focus on improving the overall quality of life and health.

How has your work impacted you and your community?

I would like to think that the work that I and my organization does positively benefits our local communities through strategic planning and preparation.

How has the CRP program prepared you for your career?

The CRP program has prepared me well for my career in terms of learning from well-knowledge instructors and professionals, the introduction and use of various technological tools and software, guidance on professional development, reviewing relevant case studies, hand-on activities and projects, and promoting opportunities to connect with working professionals.