Embracing my Navajo identity at Vanguard

The best description of what drives my decisions in my daily tasks, including my #LifeAtVanguard, is to achieve Hozho. Hozho is said to be the most important word in the Navajo language and is loosely translated as being at peace, having balance, seeing beauty, and being in harmony. Holistic may be the closest English word, but not quite! When you are in Hozho, you are at one with the world, while still being a part of the world that surrounds you.

At Vanguard, I have the opportunity to grow and develop in that state of HOZHO, by being in a role that offers a platform to share my heritage, to embrace my indigenous culture, and showcase my power of identity. As a Sr. Talent Acquisition Analyst in the Emerging Talent & Diversity Recruiting Strategy Team, I lead our early talent sourcing strategies across the U.S. I support engagements that are aligned to attracting efforts with Indigenous communities. I partner with key universities to manage relationships and network with students through career fairs, holding workshops, providing 1:1 mentoring, and giving presentations. In my role, I am truly encouraged to celebrate my individuality, which ultimately allows me to be transparent in sharing my personal commitment to break psychological, cultural, and emotional barriers.

As a child, I was raised by my traditional healer grandfather and my strong, loving grandmother who taught the importance of embracing our culture and respecting all humans. I loved hearing my grandfather sing traditional songs, create ceremonial sandpainting’s, and reverently offering service to our community. I enjoyed helping my grandmother with her Navajo rug weaving, assisting as she cared for her animals, and listening to her wisdom of having an open viewpoint, placing importance on attaining knowledge and holding strong to our native traditions.

Vanguard helps me embrace the same values by aligning its mission of taking a stand for ALL investors by doing the right thing. Just as I was taught to give service with respect, to care for others, and to have a Hozho mindset, Vanguard offers balance in my personal development and career journey. I find through my role, I am becoming more aware of Vanguard’s DEI initiatives, which allows me to effectively build deep connections with others and respect all cultures in an inclusive environment.

My identity as a Navajo, first-gen woman, gives me a rare viewpoint to encourage authenticity and develop meaningful relationships with those I meet. At Vanguard, my Hozho journey is embracing my identity and harnessing the power of culture to create deep connections and thrive as ONE with my Emerging Talent and Diversity Recruiting Strategy team.

— Fedora H.