Dagoteh My name is Melissa Cosen, and I am a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. My clan is Tiistén Aiyé. I take great pride in being a mother to two resilient children. Currently, I am employed at the San Carlos Apache College in the finance department as a special projects manager.
During my childhood, I faced many challenges due to the lack of a stable home. After the loss of my mother and grandmother, I began changing placements at the age of five. By the time I reached fifteen, I had lived in twenty different places, ultimately arriving at Sacred Journey Group Home. I frequently moved between foster homes, living with relatives, youth homes, boarding schools, group homes, and even detention centers, while also experiencing some abuse.
When I was a teenager, I went to Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, and I really focused on getting my credits. Once I turned eighteen and aged out of the foster care system, I managed to transfer back to San Carlos High School for my last semester of senior year and graduated with my classmates.
In 2017, the San Carlos Apache College opened, and I was thrilled to enroll in classes. I earned my associate’s degree in liberal arts, even though most of my coursework focused on social work. I was one of four students to graduate from the San Carlos Apache College in 2020, despite having to participate in a virtual graduation due to Covid. Being a student at our tribe’s college fueled my determination to persevere and succeed. I discovered that one remarkable aspect of a tribal college is the opportunity to stumble and then rise again. I will always cherish San Carlos Apache College as a wonderful place where I found my strength and learned about myself.
I am preparing to begin my bachelor’s degree shortly. My daughter, Lorena Cosen, will graduate from San Carlos Apache College in May 2026. She is the first person to be crowned Miss San Carlos Apache College. My son, Joseph Cosen, mentioned that he intends to enroll at San Carlos Apache College after finishing high school.
I have spent five years working as direct support staff at Sacred Journey Group Home, where I previously resided. Additionally, I have nine years of experience as a crisis worker and youth development specialist within the Salt River Pima, Maricopa Indian community. Furthermore, I have nine years of experience at the San Carlos Wellness Center as a behavioral health technician, dedicating six years to SMI clients and three years to the girls’ membership program.
In my spare time, I enjoy creating Apache camp dresses. I take great pleasure in cheering for my children and supporting them in all their endeavors.