DezBaa’ to SFCC Grads: ‘Practice self-care’

Actor, writer and independent film producer DezBaa’ emphasized the importance of self-care in her passionate keynote address at the Spring 2025 Commencement, which culminated the college’s 40th anniversary.

Overcoming a lesson “to play it small”

After warmly welcoming the graduating class, DezBaa’ reflected on her early desire to leave New Mexico.

“But here I am. I’m back—and by choice,” she said. “I say this because it was really a huge struggle for me to leave. I didn’t know who I was when I left.”

She continued, “I grew up with my father, who is Navajo and I grew up with my mom, who is Mexican. But I didn’t really understand my identity. I didn’t understand who I was. I think I got the lesson—to ‘play small’—to hide who I was, even though that wasn’t something my parents ever told me.”

DezBaa’ began her career in the New Mexico film industry, where she quickly transitioned from background roles to more prominent parts, including a memorable performance in Woman Walks Ahead and a three-season portrayal of Helen Atcitty in AMC’s Dark Winds, where she also served as a staff writer.

Before entering the film industry, she worked for the Navajo Nation’s Division of Natural Resources. She earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Amherst College and holds two Master of Fine Arts degrees from the Institute of American Indian Arts—one in screenwriting and one in creative nonfiction. She has also taught screenwriting and Indigenous cinema at the college level. Her deep-rooted connection to the land and her heritage informs her creative endeavors and her commitment to elevating Indigenous voices in media.  As a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America, DezBaa’ continues to break barriers while honoring her roots.

Lessons learned through CPR

DezBaa’ has experienced much personal growth since her younger years and encouraged graduates to continue to learn and evolve. She shared how recently getting recertified in CPR had a profound impact on her.

She drew a parallel between the three “Cs” of CPR—Check, Call, and Care—and self-care. She walked the audience through each step raising up first one, then two and finally three fingers as she shared the metaphor for a personal assessment.

Check. DezBaa’ invited graduates to become aware of their physical and emotional state. “Check where you are right now. Scrunch your heels on the ground, feel the back of your chair, and take a deep breath,” she said. She noted feeling her tight belt and seeing the fluorescent lights and hearing the murmur of kids in the audience. “Check your surroundings. Tell yourself: I did this. Ask yourself: Am I safe right now? Yes. Where are you right now? Where are you going? You are just beginning the next chapter of where you’re going.” Smiling, she added, “Are you ready to eat some enchiladas after this?” and replied, “Yes. I am. I am hungry.” She emphasized, “Be present to where you are at all times.”

Call. She referenced student speaker Joanna Johnston’s story about reaching out for assistance and receiving an accommodation to help her focus in the classroom. DezBaa’ said she didn’t ask for help during her early academic years and “played it small.”

“I had the same issues,” DezBaa’ said. “But I didn’t ask for help. I thought I was that hyper-independent person. I believed I got where I am by myself. Someone would ask if I needed help, and I’d say, ‘I’ve got this.’ I know a lot of you feel the same way—No one helped me get here. I did this on my own. Let me tell you if that’s your mindset right now, remember your voice and use it.”

She pointed to the audience and urged them to use their voice by saying, “You—call 911. I need help. Speak up.” She reminded them that without self-care, helping others becomes impossible. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for your child or your community.”

Care. “If you’ve taken care of yourself, and now you’ve earned your diploma, can you assist someone?” she asked. “Yes. Now you’re prepared.” She said her CPR class reminded her how vital those steps are.

She added, “That’s become my mantra: I’m taking care of myself. I’m taking care of my kid. Then I’m going to go out and take care of my community.”

Fulfilling Your Own Dreams

DezBaa’ concluded by encouraging graduates to continue to pursue their own dreams—not someone else’s expectations. “By you taking care of yourself and doing what makes you happy and what fulfills you that is how you can pull a community together. That’s how to show your child how to take care of themselves.”