Meet Mariah Zavala
Business Development Specialist
Mariah Zavala was born in Fresno, California and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. She brings a rich cultural tapestry to her endeavors, with roots in the Oaxacan, Puerto Rican, and Indigenous communities, as a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Mariah completed her Bachelor’s in Public Health, with a minor in Biology at NAU. Community-oriented, Mariah serves on the Indigenous Commission for the City of Flagstaff and the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona. She’s an ambassador for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and manages nonprofit initiatives, including enriching summer rafting experiences for Pascua Yaqui youth. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and soaking in bodies of water under the sun with her dog Sugar, barefoot (when appropriate).
Favorite Family Tradition:
My family and I put all our mattresses in the living room for New Year’s Eve and watched some of our favorite movies. First one that comes to mind is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
If I were to max-out my credit card somewhere, it’d be..
REI
If I could swap places with someone for a day, it’d be…
I would love to be an otter. To play in the water all day, enjoy the sun on land and live carelessly with my otter crew sounds amazing.
If I could have one superpower, it’d be…
Waterbending! What a privilege and honor to dance with such a sacred element. Also, that would take water play to another level! My dogs would love it!
My Strangest Talent:
Not sure this is a talent, but I have monkey-like feet. I can grab things like pens, clothes, push buttons and am great at tree climbing barefoot or rock climbing. My dad used to always joke that growing up I had monkey feet. I get why now! It sure has come in handy!
The best part about living in Flagstaff is…
Community and the sacred peaks. I always say, this city is what you put into it. If you put good out, it will come back. The land will welcome you as you respect it and this city will give you a big hug if you’re putting goodness out! I am so blessed to live in such a wonderful place. And so dog-friendly!