Her Story
About Christine
Christine Reidhead is the Business Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Business at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico. She began her career in accounting after earning a Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix, but later transitioned into higher education, where she found her calling in teaching and academic leadership within tribal college systems. Over more than a decade in academia, she has held multiple leadership roles, including faculty vice president and manager positions, while helping strengthen one of the university’s most prominent academic programs.
Alongside her academic work, Christine is deeply committed to humanitarian and global development initiatives. She and her family have been involved in humanitarian efforts in Mexico for nearly 45 years, focusing on community support and sustainability. About ten years ago, she expanded her work internationally to Africa, where she founded AfrikRising International School, beginning with just a small group of students and helping it grow into a thriving educational community. Her efforts also include supporting access to clean water and essential resources in underserved communities, reflecting her belief in education as a foundation for long-term change.
In her role at Navajo Technical University, Christine focuses on bridging academic business education with culturally responsive and community-centered learning. She actively mentors students, develops curriculum, and promotes engagement that respects Indigenous knowledge systems and lived experiences. Her professional philosophy centers on service, collaboration, and humanitarian impact, balancing her leadership in higher education with ongoing international outreach. Outside of work, she is family-oriented and enjoys sports, having played basketball in college and remaining an avid fan of professional leagues.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to hard work and a genuine commitment to caring for others. From a young age, I was taught the value of diligence and perseverance, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life. My upbringing played a significant role in shaping who I am today, reinforcing not only the importance of hard work but also the responsibility to give back and support those around me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is the importance of education and hard work. These two principles have been fundamental to everything I have achieved and have consistently guided my decisions and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to take the time to truly identify their passions and what they genuinely enjoy. It is important to understand what drives you, as this clarity can serve as a strong foundation for your career. From there, you can build a path that aligns with your interests and strengths, allowing for both fulfillment and long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say artificial intelligence presents both significant challenges and opportunities in my field right now. On one hand, it can hinder the learning process when students rely on it to complete their work, as this may limit the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, when used appropriately, AI can be a powerful educational tool that enhances learning, supports understanding, and expands access to information. Ultimately, its impact depends on how thoughtfully it is integrated and used.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness and treating others with respect and dignity. I also strongly believe in putting the person before the policy, ensuring that empathy and understanding remain central in decision-making. These principles guide how I interact with others and shape the way I approach both professional responsibilities and personal relationships.
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