Slice of life: Winslow City Hall receptionist Roberta Cano

Winslow City Hall receptionist Roberta Cano. Photo/Todd Roth

Winslow City Hall receptionist Roberta Cano. Photo/Todd Roth

The Navajo-Hopi Observer recently talked to Roberta Cano, the new City Hall receptionist and administrative assistant about her background, duties and previous positions.

How long have you been at this new job?

May 18 is when I started so it comes out to about two months as of now.

How long have you lived in Winslow?

I was born here in 1974, then raised here, moved away for 12 years and lived in Yuma and have been back since 2005.

You are married to Winslow Police Department's Sergeant Cano. What was your maiden name?

Wilcox. My dad was half Navajo and half San Juan from New Mexico; and like many Native people, at one time they were forced to adopt a Anglo surname in place of their tribal given name. So I'm half Native American and half Scottish.

Do you have any family or kids?

We do. As a blended family we have four children - a son recently graduated from high school, two kids in high school here as juniors, and one more child in fifth grade.

What did you do before you became the Winslow City receptionist?

I was the Winslow swimming pool supervisor and Recreation Department secretary, which afforded me an option to apply for my current job, since the city prefers to hire into new open positions, current city employees. In 1996, I started with the Department of Corrections in Yuma and then transferred to DOC Winslow to be near family after my dad's passing. In 2014 I needed a career change so I left the DOC and began working for Winslow Parks and Recreation.

How about your husband's career plans?

My husband was working for the Yuma Police Department before transferring to Winslow. His accrued pension points transfered with him, so he will be able to retire in six years if he desires.

What do you like best about your job?

My husband and I have planted our roots here. We have considered moving back to a larger Arizona city, which has more amenities but scratched that for a commitment to Winslow. And this city job allows me to further contribute to the well being of the city and community.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read