Michelle Aries Zephier
Michelle Zephier is a resilient and accomplished professional who has dedicated over 19 years to serving the Hualapai Tribe in Peach Springs, Arizona. As a Planner 1, Reality Specialist, and Housing Improvement Coordinator, she has played a critical role in supporting tribal housing initiatives and community development programs. Her work focuses on improving living conditions, coordinating resources, and ensuring that tribal members have access to safe and sustainable housing, reflecting her deep commitment to her community. Michelle’s journey to professional success is a story of perseverance and determination. After enduring a decade of domestic violence that prevented her from working, she left her partner with six children and relied on welfare, food stamps, and cash aid to provide for her family. Despite these challenges, she recognized her own education and capabilities, securing her first job with the Hualapai Tribe. That position became the foundation of a thriving career, leading to financial stability, homeownership, and the ability to support her children’s education—three of whom are now in college. Michelle attributes much of her success to the belief and encouragement of a mentor who inspired her to pursue her potential. Through hard work, dedication, and resilience, she has not only transformed her own life but also serves as a role model within her community. Her election and ability to serve the Hualapai people on the Hualapai Tribal Council highlights the trust and respect she has earned, and she remains passionate about sharing her story to show that overcoming adversity is possible and that education, determination, and support can lead to remarkable achievements.
• Certified Planning Department
• Realty Specialist Training
• Hualapai Tribal Council
• Peach Springs Elementary School District President
• Peach Springs High School District President
• Food bank volunteering
• Blood donation
What do you attribute your success to?
My children and my family support. I came from domestic violence for about 10 years with 6 kids, and we started on welfare and food stamps. From the minute I got my first job with the Hualapai Tribe till now, we own our own house and I have 3 in college. My children are the reason I kept going and the reason I've been able to achieve what I have. Everything I've done has been for them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
There was only one person, my mother that actually believed in me that I could do what I'm doing when I was a single parent of 6 kids. A lot of people thought I'd be on welfare for the rest of my life, but my mother told me I had education and need to use it to better my life for myself and my children. To this day, she's one of my greatest teacher. That advice changed my life and helped me realize I was capable of doing this on my own and able to better the life of myself and my children.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Serving the people will always be your greatest achievement.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being there for my people in my community is what matters most to me. The job that I enjoy doing is being there for my people - I'm able to help them get new houses, new homesites, and I coordinate the Housing Improvement Program that helps elderly, handicapped, low-income and disabled people. We actually build or renovate there houses so they can live in a better environment, and we help them to get land leases for the land. I'm very proud and very privileged that the people vote me to be on the Tribal Council. Feeding people is my way of love - I love to cook for my family and friends. I think it's really important to share my story so people know that going from welfare to success is possible. Everything is possible if you work hard and never stop believing in yourself always stop and help the next person up.