25 Jul Alisha L. Murphy – Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development

Alisha is the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development economist, the first-ever Navajo economist for the tribe. She’s also a doctoral candidate at New Mexico State University in the Doctorate of Economic Development program. Alisha is also the vice-chair of the board of directors of The Global Centre of Indigenomics, a platform for collaboration among Indigenous entrepreneurs, and is one of the 2021 National Center of American Indian Enterprise Development Native American 40 Under 40 inductees. She has her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and a master’s degree in economics from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM.

Alisha’s research interest includes exploring the definition of economic development and identifying appropriate economic indices that directly reflect the power of the Navajo economy. As the economist for the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, Alisha is working to establish primary data collection methodologies to ensure economic reports that reflect the unique characteristics and identities of all communities across the Navajo Nation. Her work will create more opportunities for economic development that positively impacts Navajo communities rural and non-rural. Alisha believes that primary data collection and analysis will provide crucial information needed when Navajo leadership is tasked with making important decisions regarding health care, education, public safety, infrastructure, and the overall Navajo economy. Alisha is originally from Crownpoint, NM.