ILA Alumni Marcus Benally: Building Confidence and Connections Through Leadership

The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) continues to highlight the journeys of its alumni through the “Where Are They Now?” series. This installment features Marcus Benally, a financial leader, mentor, and connector of people whose impact has extended across Native communities and professional networks alike.

During his time in ILA, Marcus’ peers recognized his natural ability to support others and build meaningful connections. One participant reflected, “I had the privilege of being in a peer mentor group with Marcus. He was an exceptional mentor who was consistently accessible and supportive throughout the experience. His guidance played a significant role in making me feel welcomed and confident during the program and conference.”

ILA is currently running two Fall 2025 Cohorts. Sign up here to follow along and receive ILA updates.

A Career Rooted in Service

With more than a decade of experience in public accounting and advisory services, Marcus has built his career helping tribal governments, enterprises, and healthcare organizations thrive in complex regulatory environments. As Senior Manager of Client Advisory & Accounting Services at REDW Advisors & CPAs, he leads a team that provides customized accounting solutions, outsourced CFO/Controller services, and compliance training.

He also extends his leadership beyond the workplace. Marcus currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Valley Young Professionals, where he develops programming to foster leadership and professional growth. He also sits on the Board of Managers for Quivera Enterprises, LLC, a tribally owned holding company advancing economic sustainability for the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.

ILA Project: Expanding Financial Literacy

Marcus’ ILA project reflected his commitment to giving back through financial literacy education for Native youth.

“My project idea was related to my commitment to giving back to our communities by providing educational financial literacy opportunities for the younger generation,” Marcus said. “With these opportunities, the next generation can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to establish a solid foundation for their relationship with money.”

While his previous experience had focused on in-person workshops, ILA encouraged him to think bigger. “My peer mentor group helped me think of larger platforms, such as developing a web-based application,” he explained. “The tools I learned from ILA: communicating my story, building relationships, and preparing my elevator pitch, helped me grow my idea and consider how to reach a broader audience.”

Lasting Connections

For Marcus, one of the most surprising outcomes of the program was the strength of the relationships he built.

“Not to sound cliché, but honestly, my surprising takeaway was the special connections fostered with my cohort and how close I became with my peer mentor group,” he said. “With a majority of the program being conducted remotely, I didn’t think I would get to know my fellow cohort on a personal level as well as I did. Meeting in person during the final module solidified those connections, and I still rely on my ILA network today.”

These relationships remain a source of support and inspiration as Marcus continues to follow his leadership path.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Like many Indigenous leaders, Marcus has wrestled with imposter syndrome at times in his career. He credits ILA with helping him shift his perspective.

“I think ILA has impacted my life in terms of viewing leadership and given me more confidence in my current as well as future roles,” he reflected. “Sometimes as Indigenous leaders, we tend to feel some type of imposter syndrome during our career, but ILA has changed my view on this matter. By challenging negative self-talk and celebrating our achievements, we can continue to improve in this area.”

He added, “We all have the skills and experience needed to succeed, we just have to self-acknowledge this and affirm we are good enough and most importantly got to where we are in our careers because of this.”

Expanding Leadership Roles

Marcus’ professional journey continues to evolve. Recently promoted to Senior Manager at REDW, he now advises clients while also strengthening their accounting knowledge. He sees his audit background as central to his growth.

“My audit background has helped me immensely in this new role as I’m able to advise my clients and improve their accounting acumen,” he said.

His leadership extends into governance, where he brings his expertise to new roles. “I was recently appointed to serve as a Board Manager for Quivera Enterprises, LLC, an enterprise of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes,” Marcus shared. “With a mission that aligns with my passion for fostering community empowerment and economic development, I am eager to contribute to the strategic vision of the organization.”

Giving Back Through Mentorship

Marcus’ commitment to mentorship and representation shines through his work with Valley Young Professionals.

“I continue to serve in various capacities for the Indigenous community through leadership roles in fostering young professionals,” he said. “I come with a passion for empowering young leaders to reach their fullest potential.”

As Chair, he has introduced programming that brings Indigenous perspectives into mainstream professional spaces. “Since joining the VYP Board, my initiatives have included Native American Culture Awareness training conducted by the Phoenix Indian Center and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, which also included background on Indian gaming and a brief history of the Tohono O’odham Nation,” he explained.

By highlighting the economic impact of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes, Marcus continues to build bridges and expand awareness among diverse audiences.

Looking Ahead

Marcus Benally’s journey reflects the confidence, connection, and service at the heart of ILA. From expanding financial literacy to mentoring young professionals and guiding tribally owned enterprises, his leadership continues to empower Indigenous communities and open doors for future generations. ILA is currently running two Fall 2025 Cohorts. Sign up here to follow along and receive ILA updates.