Crystal Carr Cook is from Tuba City, AZ. She was born and raised on the Navajo Nation. She is Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rockgap), born for Bįįh Bitoodnii (Deer Spring), her maternal clan is Tł’ízílání (Manygoats), and her paternal clan is Taneeszáhnii (Tangle People). 
She co-founded Holdzilei Hiking Strong, LLC in 2021 a Navajo Backpacking company. In 2025, she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. She possesses more than ten years of experience in public policy and tribal relations. Currently, she leads tribal housing research at Northern Arizona University. 
Dr. Cook has always loved the outdoors. Since she was 5 years old her late father took her out hiking and horseback riding. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is an experienced backpacking guide.
While on the top of the San Juan mountains near Silverton, CO, Dr. Cook thought to herself, after a 3000 ft elevation incline, “if only I had some steam corn stew or roast mutton right now?” Thus, the idea of a backpacking food company that sold authentic Navajo traditional meals was sparked. Like most Navajos, she learned to cook traditional meals and knead dough at a young age. She credits her cooking skills to her mom and late aunt. She manages Hołdzilei Outdoor Provisions Co., LLC DBA: Sheep Camp Trail Foods, LLC.