Kaitlyn Yazzie, a recent fashion design graduate followed in the footsteps of her parents—both proud MCC alumni. Kaitlyn’s parents, April and Andrew, are originally from Farmington, New Mexico, nestled in the heart of the Navajo Nation near the Four Corners area. The couple met through church, married, and moved to Arizona, where April decided to attend MCC following in her sister’s footsteps. Not long after, Andrew enrolled as well.
"My parents have always encouraged all of us to pursue our education,” Kaitlyn says, referring to herself and her six siblings, with Kaitlyn being the oldest.
What makes Kaitlyn’s story so special is her unique connection to MCC—her parents were pregnant with her while they were students here, making her a part of the MCC family from the very beginning. "I’ve been a part of campus pretty much my whole life,” Kaitlyn reflects.
Growing up in a family where education was always a top priority, Kaitlyn has continued the legacy in fashion and business following her mother, April, who designs Native American apparel, and her father, Andrew, who is a chef in the Valley.
“I want to have my own business, or make luxury designs with a Native influence,” she says. “Especially because I’m Native, I want to show other Native students that it’s possible to get an education and make a name for yourself. With all these programs that are able to help you, it’s possible.”