Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch reflects on tenure as Chinle Chapter president

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

CHINLE – Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch, the outgoing Chinle Chapter president, closes her tenure with a legacy marked by transformative projects and strengthened community engagement. Inspired to lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw firsthand the challenges her community faced and stepped up to meet the need.

“Seeing how much people struggled during the pandemic – whether it was access to water, broadband, or basic services – really inspired me to run,” Jumbo-Fitch said. “I wanted to be that new leader who could get projects done.”

Under her leadership, two long-awaited infrastructure projects finally gained momentum. The first, a community vendor village, a vision 74 years delayed, will provide a designated space for local artisans and tour operators to welcome tourists visiting Canyon de Chelly. Located near the Holiday Inn, the vendor village addresses the need for organized vending and tourist entry, ensuring both economic opportunity and a better visitor experience.

“We obtained funding for the land withdrawal and got grant funding to start the design phase, and we now have support for developing the infrastructure,” she explained. “It’s been a fast-track process over the last two-and-a-half years.”

The second, a stalled 34-year-old effort to complete a new bridge crossing over the Chinle wash, is now entering its design and engineering phase. Through funding secured in partnership with the Navajo Department of Transportation, the $7 million project will provide a second wash crossing, easing traffic congestion and improving access for the community.

“When you only have one crossing, it’s a challenge, especially in light of the historic 2023 flooding. By next summer, we hope to see it completed,” she said.

Reflecting on her time as president, Jumbo-Fitch emphasized the growth she experienced both personally and professionally. Leading during the pandemic revealed critical gaps in infrastructure and prompted innovative approaches to meet community needs.

“The first year we spent the whole time online because of the pandemic, and we really saw the lack of broadband and basic services,” she said. “It taught me the importance of listening to the people and their needs. We did surveys, held workshops, and for the first time, the chapter gained meaningful data through online channels that guided us.”

Through this process, she successfully engaged community members, ensured local hiring for projects, and proved that the chapter could tackle major initiatives independently.

“Our people’s greatest strength is their belief in themselves,” she said. “We demonstrated that Navajo workers can deliver contractor-level quality, and that kept money within the community.”

As she steps away from the position, Jumbo-Fitch is looking forward to focusing on her family, her construction business, and projects to better her community. An educator and translator of children’s books into the Navajo language, she plans to write her first children’s book and continue contributing in new ways in her personal capacity. However, the door remains open for her return to leadership.

“I heard from my people that they are open to me running again, and that means a lot,” she said. “Whether it’s for chapter president, Council delegate, or another leadership role, I’m open to continuing the work.”

Paul Guy will succeed her as the new chapter president, and Jumbo-Fitch expressed confidence in the future leadership while also reflecting on the foundations she helped lay.

“I’m proud to have connected with our youth, engaged our community, and shown that positive change is possible,” she said. “The next generation will carry that forward.”

---