Shantel Israel Crowned Miss Utah Navajo
Published: September 10, 2026 | Author: Ali Maynard | Read Time: 1 minute
Shantel Israel, a senior studying biology at Southern Utah University, was crowned Miss Utah Navajo. For her year as Miss Utah Navajo, Israel will prioritize land conservation, as well as continue working towards her goal of becoming a biology technician with the National Park Service, protecting the place she calls home.
“The hope is to not only talk for the land,” Israel said, “but actively care for it at the same time.”
During the Miss Navajo pageant, Israel shared her extensive knowledge of plant uses, showcasing the love and dedication she has towards preserving nature. This led to her being crowned Miss Utah Navajo for the 2026-27 year, receiving the title from former Miss Utah Navajo Dayhenoa C. Yazzie.
By applying her knowledge of plant uses, taking advantage of the resources available to her, and reaching out to various contacts for aid, Israel will bring change to her community by creating new ways to advocate for the protection and care of the land.
“I think I’ve got a lot of leadership qualities from [my mother],” Israel said. “She gave me my voice to be a leader.”
With a wide variety of specialized programs, small class sizes, and relevant experiential learning, SUU’s Department of Biology helps prepare students like Israel to create real and lasting change within the world. Students have unique opportunities to dive further into their studies with research projects, labs, and field trips to the nearby major ecoregions with SUU’s qualified instructors.
Image Credit: Navajo Times article “Shantel Israel begins Miss Utah Navajo year with land conversation focus” by Krista Allen.
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