December 4, 2019
Courtesy photo: Highlands MBA students Jasmine Jishie, left, and Jessica Coriz are American Indian Graduate Center scholars.
Las Vegas, New Mexico – Two New Mexico Highlands University MBA students have received scholarships from REDW, LLC accounting through the American Indian Graduate Center.
Jessica Coriz, of San Ildefonso Pueblo and Jasmine Jishie, of the Navajo Nation each received $2,500 scholarships.
Jessica Coriz, 32, earned her bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting from Highlands in May 2019, graduating magna cum laude. Now, she is an MBA candidate who is on schedule to graduate from Highlands in May 2021. In addition to being a full-time student, Coriz works full time as an accounting technician at Amerind Risk Management.
Coriz said her Native American heritage is very important to her.
“As a Pueblo Indian, I am proud to be part of such a unique culture and instill in my daughter, who is four, the importance of knowing who she is,” Coriz said. “I would like to make a positive impact on Native communities by giving back as a professional, working for a tribe or Native business. I’d also like to encourage other Native American students to pursue higher education degrees and be a positive role model.”
Coriz said her education at Highlands prepared her well for a career in accounting and finance.
“I’m pursuing a master’s degree so I can attain leadership positions in accounting,” Coriz said.
Jasmine Jishie, 25, is also on track to complete her MBA at Highlands in May 2021. Jishie completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, earning magna cum laude honors. She is a full-time student who works full time as an auditor with the Navajo Nation Office of the Auditor General.
Jishie said she was raised in a traditional Navajo home.
“Growing up, I learned the Navajo culture, stories and language, which shaped me and gave me a valued foundation,” Jishie said. “I want to use my MBA degree to better myself and contribute to my Navajo Nation. As an auditor for the Navajo Nation, I want to ensure that the Navajo people’s money is being spent in the best interest of the community.”
Jishie said the fact that Highlands offers its MBA program online has allowed her to pursue her master’s degree while working.
“The online MBA at Highlands is flexible, so I can still support my family, including my 4-year-old son. The eight-week classes are rigorous and also help me complete my degree faster,” Jishie said.
Both Coriz and Jishie said they are grateful to REDW and the American Indian Graduate Center for the scholarships.
“We are incredibly proud of Jessica and Jasmine,” said Angelique Albert, executive director of the American Indian Graduate Center. “Our scholars have the opportunity to attain higher education, better their lives and give back to their tribal communities. They are the inspiration for the work we do.”