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This NAFOA Leadership Summit is an opportunity for accepted young leaders to attend a full day of programming prior to NAFOA’s 2019 Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference. During the day, lessons and conversations focus on career development, business, and economic development topics, as well as a chance to network with peers and professionals. Summit attendees were selected based on their performance in the online Academy curriculum, short essay responses, resume, and academic experience.
NAFOA is pleased to welcome this year’s accepted participants to our third annual NAFOA Leadership Summit at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, on October 6th, 2019.
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Justice Oglesby, 21
Navajo Nation
Colorado State University
Major: Business Administration/Corporate Finance
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
“I am also excited to participate in an environment where I can work closely with other young minds who are business-centric. This summit will be the first conference I’ve attended that covers a specific focus on economics and finance within the scope of the indigenous lens.”
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Ashleigh Fixico, 23
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Dartmouth College
Major: Government; Native American Studies modified with Hispanic Studies
Hometown: Seminole, OK
“As I prepare for law school, I have found that I am very interested in taxation law and would love to use my law degree to further economic development in Indian Country. Many of the pioneers in tribal economic development and taxation will be attending NAFOA's conference. Being able to ask questions about their path, interests, and areas of expertise would allow me to chart out my path in law school and my career.”
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Kevin Patrick O'Neal-Smith, 24
Tlingit, Jilḵáat Ḵwáan
Fort Lewis College
Major: Economics
Hometown: Juneau, AK
“I am looking forward to the networking opportunities at the Summit and NAFOA Conference and to represent Tlingit peoples.”
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Raquel Anakalea, 24
Bishop Paiute Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock/Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian)
University of New Mexico School of Law
Juris Doctor Candidate
Hometown: Payahuunadu (Bishop, CA)
“At the Leadership Summit and NAFOA conference, I hope to learn about what Tribal Nations are currently involved in to generate revenue and encourage self-governance. My ultimate goal is to empower the Bishop Paiute Tribe to exert as much sovereignty to protect the health and well-being of my community as a whole.”
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Sophie Maria Tiger, 22
Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
University of Oklahoma
Major: Political Science, Native American Studies
Hometown: Cache, OK and Wakpala, SD
"The NAFOA summit and conference will provide the opportunity to learn methods to be more effective in economic development. With the resources and tools available, I want to enhance my knowledge and skills in order to advance the economy across Indian Country.”
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Kyrsha Balderas, 23
Meskwaki Nation
Coe College
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
“After the NAFOA Leadership Summit and Fall conference, I hope to walk away with a better understanding of tribal economies across the U.S. while exploring a variety of innovative ideas to take into consideration. Additionally, I hope to meet with a variety of indigenous professionals and practice my professional skills learned through the Academy.”
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Ariel Farinango, 20
Native Inca
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Major: Finance
Hometown: Chicago, IL
“The reason why I decided to pursue a career in Investment Banking is that I want to be able to think strategically. Being a banker allows you to think bigger, and it gives you the necessary skills for helping businesses grow. One of my dreams is to help other indigenous families and communities realize their potential.”
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Kirsten Van Dyke, 20
Oneida Nation, Osage, and Cherokee
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
“At the Summit, I hope to learn more about the financial opportunities that my tribe can benefit from, and the skills that I need to lead the way for change. My ultimate goal and dream to see the tribe have many business owners and have a great economy throughout the tribe.”
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Meet these young leaders at the NAFOA Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference on October 7-8 at the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN.
For more information about the conference, click here.
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