For quite some time now, Isabelle Howard has been busy working hard across the United States for a company called Deckology and experiencing a great amount of personal and professional success. “My title is ‘installer/laborer.’ Although that is my title, I do other things as well,” said Howard.

Deckology is a pool deck resurfacing company that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create their custom designs and has been one of the pioneers in premiere pool deck resurfacing for the past 16 years. Recently, Deckology was part of the team that helped implement the latest Talking Stick Resort pool upgrades. Howard joined Deckology when the company first was tasked with resurfacing pool decks at Talking Stick Resort and has been with them ever since.

“Her commitment to being the first to arrive and last to leave each day sets a strong example for her colleagues. We’re equally impressed by her proactive approach to ensuring all necessary supplies are on hand to maximize our efficiency,” said Vice President of Operations Kurt Schwigert of Deckology LLC. He added, “Isabelle’s tireless work ethic and dedication have been evident from day one, and she quickly became an invaluable member of our staff. We’re proud to have Isabelle as part of our team and look forward to her continued success with our company.”

Thus far, Howard has worked on several pool decks as part of the Deckology team. Her work can be seen at Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico; the Hilton Galveston Island Resort Beach Hotel in Texas; and the Costa Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

Howard and her colleagues usually begin the day at 5 a.m., with a normal work day lasting 10 to 14 hours. They work seven days a week. The crew follows an advanced process which Deckology has patented. Currently, Howard and the Deckology crew are resurfacing the luxurious Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Howard added, “Due to the weather here [in Miami], we sometimes have to wait out the rain, or call it a day.”

No matter the location of the job, she makes sure to carry a piece of home with her wherever she goes: her cool towel she received when she was a day labor employee for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. “It comes in handy and is a constant reminder to me of how far I’ve come in my employment,” she said.

“I always get asked about my ethnicity,” she said. “I always reply that I am Akimel O’odham from Salt River, Arizona. I never thought too much about [my identity] as a kid, but now that I’m older, there is a sense of pride in being a Native American and telling them our original name and a few things I feel comfortable telling others.”

Throughout her professional career, which has allowed her to travel the world, Howard recently realized she has now checked off a personal achievement item on her bucket list. “One day recently [in Florida], I sat on the beach. When I was a kid at Whittier Elementary, I did a ‘future board’ with my second-grade teacher, Ms. Weavers. I remember [my future board] said I wanted to see the ocean on all three sides of the U.S.A. When I was sitting on the beach, I realized I have now seen the ocean in California, Texas and Florida,” said Howard. “It brought a smile to my face.”

For Howard, her recent professional and personal achievements have been cornerstone moments she holds near and dear to her heart. “This all didn’t happen overnight for me. I’ve been doing day labor on and off for a long time. The opportunities are out there, we just have to prove ourselves [through] our work ethic.”

As she completes her Miami assignment and waits for her next project, Howard makes sure she shares her achievements with her supportive circle back home.

“I would like to thank everyone within the tribe who has helped me throughout all of this. The Day Labor program, Vocational Rehab, my family, friends, and most of all my Momma, siblings and Jasmine’s family. Thank you.”