Krista Allen

Krista Allen serves as Editor-in-Chief at the Navajo Times, the largest Native American newspaper in the country. With approximately 18 years of experience in newspaper journalism, she began her career at the paper immediately after earning her journalism degree from Northern Arizona University, following initial studies at Utah State University. Allen oversees the publication from start to finish, managing reporters and freelancers, editing stories and photography, and providing final approval before print, while also contributing as a reporter focused on community journalism. She started in the field after encouragement from a high school history teacher and a college journalism professor who recognized her editing skills, leading her to build experience through editing thesis papers and side work before committing fully to journalism. Allen briefly left the Navajo Times for three years to gain additional editing experience at another publication before returning, and she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and remaining grounded in her Native identity while pursuing her professional work.