Capacity Building

ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Education Professionals

kssatter — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:20:40 +0000

ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Education Professionals

kssatter April 10, 2025

AIPI Blog

ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Education Professionals

Because the next generation deserves Indigenous leaders in every classroom—and every decision-making room.

Content

Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Education
How to Move Up in Education as a Native Professional
Opportunities for Indigenous Professional Development in Education

Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Education

Indigenous students thrive when they see their cultures, values, and communities reflected in their learning environments. Yet, according to the National Indian Education Association, Native students are far less likely than their peers to have a teacher who shares their racial and ethnic background, and the vast majority of teachers in American Indian and Alaskan Native majority schools are white (61%); just 29% of teachers in American Indian and Alaskan Native majority schools are Indigenous, and only 10% of public school teachers in Hawaii and Alaska are Native Hawaiians or Native Alaskans.

That’s why investing in Indigenous educational leadership development is critical—representation at the front of the classroom isn’t enough. We need Native educators to shape what and how we teach.

Today’s Indigenous educators are the changemakers we need in leadership roles—guiding curriculum, mentoring staff, and advocating for systems that reflect the needs of Native learners. Building leadership skills for Indigenous educators ensures that the future of education is not only more inclusive but also more effective.

If you’ve ever wondered how Indigenous educators can grow into leadership roles, you’re already on the right path. From classroom teachers to school leaders, the journey isn’t just about promotions—it’s about impact. It’s about supporting Native teachers in becoming school leaders who carry community knowledge and cultural wisdom into every decision they make.

If you're ready for career growth as an Indigenous teacher, consider what’s possible when you join a program built on culturally relevant leadership development in education.

How to Move Up in Education as a Native Professional

After a few years in the classroom, many Native educators begin to ask: How can I expand my impact beyond the students in front of me?

Leadership can take many forms—department chairs, curriculum leads, principals, policy advisors, or mentors to new teachers. The key is finding a program that meets you where you are. Whether you’re interested in mentorship, curriculum development, or school administration, Indigenous educators' leadership training can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Through intentional leadership skill-building for Indigenous educators, you’ll learn how to lead change and advocate for your students from positions of influence. The right education career development for Native professionals isn’t just about earning credentials. It’s about unlocking your voice and your vision for community-centered education.

Opportunities for Indigenous Professional Development in Education

If you’re seeking professional growth as an Indigenous educator, the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is here to guide you in your next steps.

This Indigenous education leadership program is built for mid-career professionals—those with 3–5 years of experience who are already making a difference and are now ready to do even more. The Academy offers a space to build confidence, gain strategic skills, and grow alongside other Native changemakers. Through culturally relevant content, practical projects, and community support, participants leave ready to lead in any educational setting.

Ready to Step Into Leadership?

Leadership in Indigenous education starts with you. Join a growing network of Native educators reshaping the future—one school, one classroom, one system at a time.

Learn more about ILA

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April 10, 2025

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ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Health Care Professionals

kssatter — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:14:43 +0000

ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Health Care Professionals

kssatter April 10, 2025

AIPI Blog

ILA’s Leadership Program for Indigenous Health Care Professionals

Grow your career. Lead your community. Step into your power.

Content:

Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Health Care
How to Move Up in Health Care as a Native Professional
Introducing the Indigenous Health Care Leadership Academy

Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Health Care

Indigenous healthcare professionals can address the unique disparities faced by Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Hawaiian Natives, who, according to the Indian Health Service, have long experienced lower health status, lower life expectancy, and disproportionate disease compared to other Americans. Native Americans are faced with nearly a 5-year lower life expectancy than the general population, infant mortality rates are 50% - 60% higher, and chronic diseases impact Native Americans at 1.5 to 2 times the rate of the average American, including diabetes and heart disease.

Strong Indigenous healthcare leadership is essential to closing equity gaps, improving patient outcomes, and reclaiming culturally grounded care. When Native voices are in decision-making roles, healthcare becomes more responsive, respectful, and effective.

For those seeking health career growth in Indigenous communities, leadership development isn’t just about personal success; it’s about creating systems where our communities can thrive.

Whether you work in a clinic, serve as a behavioral health specialist, or support patients as a nurse, your lived experience is a powerful tool in shaping the future of Native healthcare.

How to Move Up in Health Care as a Native Professional

After 3–5 years in the field, many Indigenous healthcare workers start to ask: What’s next for me?

That next step could be leadership, which comes in many forms. Many Indigenous health care professionals want to do more—to mentor, manage, advocate, or guide their teams—but they don’t always have a clear path forward.

If you’re wondering how to move up in healthcare as a Native professional, you’re not alone. That’s where healthcare leadership training for Indigenous professionals comes in. Whether your dream is to lead a clinic, direct a community health program, or help shape national policy, developing your leadership skills is the key. Indigenous professionals need more than just technical expertise; they need tools to navigate systems, inspire others, and lead with cultural integrity.

That’s why access to Indigenous professional development in healthcare is so critical. Whether you’re in public health, patient care, or mental wellness, there are programs designed to help you grow your skills without disconnecting from your values. ILA is a cohort-based model that offers peer support, mentorship and applied learning. This is an Indigenous health professional leadership course built with your goals and community in mind.

There is a growing movement in Indigenous leadership development for healthcare, and you belong in it.

Introducing the Indigenous Health Care Leadership Academy

If you’re ready to lead but unsure how to take the next step, the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is here to support you.

This Indigenous healthcare leadership program was designed specifically for Native professionals with 3–5 years of experience. Whether you're a frontline provider or behind-the-scenes strategist, ILA can help you step confidently into leadership.

It’s not just a training. It’s a transformational journey.

The Academy offers a space to build confidence, gain strategic skills, and grow alongside other Native changemakers. Through culturally relevant content, practical projects, and community support, participants leave ready to lead in any healthcare setting.

Whether you’re seeking Native American healthcare leadership opportunities, First Nations health leadership training, or simply a supportive environment to grow, this program is for you.

Ready to Lead?

Join a network of Indigenous healthcare professionals who are leading with heart, purpose, and community at the center.

Learn more about ILA

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April 10, 2025

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Everything You Need to Know About ILA (Cohorts 8 & 9, Fall 2025)

bsantist — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:37:00 +0000

Everything You Need to Know About ILA (Cohorts 8 & 9, Fall 2025)

bsantist November 16, 2023

AIPI Blog

Everything You Need to Know About ILA (Cohorts 8 & 9, Fall 2025)

The application for the Fall 2025 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) will open on May 1, 2025, and will close on June 8, 2025. Follow along for upcoming blogs, posts, and a webinar with information about the ILA.

This Fall, we are excited to announce two distinct ILA programs dedicated to Indigenous education (IELA) and Indigenous health (IHLA).

This blog is dedicated to answering questions you may have about applying to the ILA. If you are an Indigenous person who wants to contribute to your community, you should apply to this academy!

When does the application open?

The application will open on Thursday, May 1, 2025. There is one application for IHLA and IELA. Based on your preliminary answers, you will be directed to the specific application you are applying for.

When does the application close?

The application will close on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Please submit it as soon as possible.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who lives in the United States and meets the eligibility criteria listed on the application is welcome to apply. Fifty percent of the allotted spaces will be awarded to Arizona residents.

Can I apply to both cohorts?

No, you must choose between education and healthcare.

How much does it cost?

The cost for the 10-module program is $2650. Scholarships are available; applicants are automatically considered for a scholarship upon application to ILA. It is highly recommended that the cost not be a deterrent.

What do I need to complete the application?

If you’re thinking about applying for the ILA, please note that we will require your recent work history. You will be creating a project that benefits your Indigenous community. Please have a project title and explain your project idea as well as you can. The project will lay the foundation for all the lessons during the 10-module course. We're looking to assess your strengths as a leader, so please reflect on any other leadership programs you may have been involved in.

How are the cohorts chosen?

There are only 25 spots available for each cohort. An alumni review panel evaluates the applications with all personal information redacted. The ILA staff and facilitators also review the applications, taking into account the findings from the panel, as well as their own notes and comments, to select the participants.

Why do I need to have a LinkedIn profile?

You gain a network of over 157 ILA alumni! A LinkedIn profile helps us to see who you are and the work you do in your community; it also creates a wonderful space for you to grow your network. It should be noted that signing up and using LinkedIn is free of charge. If you would like to use LinkedIn Premium, there is a fee. Don’t have a LinkedIn account? Sign up here.

How is the cohort run?

The cohort will be taught on Zoom and in person (module ten only) with class materials and participation on Canvas.
Module one is on a Saturday and is about six hours in length. For IHLA, the tentative start date is July 12, 2025. For IELA, the tentative start date is August 9, 2025.
Modules two through nine modules are held on weekday evenings for three hours. We utilize Canvas, and there is about 1.5 hours worth of reading each week. Tentatively, the IHLA will be held on Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm AZ time, and the IELA will be held on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm AZ time.
Module ten for IHLA will be held September 7-12, 2025, at the National Tribal Health Conference at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ. Module ten for IELA will be held October 8-11, 2025, at the National Indian Education Association Conference in Spokane, WA.
During the modules, we have guest speakers and professionals on each module's topic. The guest speakers are invaluable in providing real-life context and depth to each module.
To gain certification, you will plan a project that should benefit your community in some way and create a 5-minute video presentation on it. You will also present your project in person at the final module.
You will be responsible for your travel and room costs. More information will be released during the first weeks of the cohort.
Cohort Partners for IHLA: ASU College of Health Solutions, National Indian Health Board, Tufts University
Cohort Partners for IELA: ASU Center for Indian Education, ASU American Indian Studies, National Indian Education Association, Tufts University

What will I learn about?

You will learn about the following leadership practices within an Indigenous framework.

Civic Engagement
Responsibility
Indigenous Knowledge
Communicating
Tribal Sovereignty
Fostering Consensus

How can I use the tools learned to use in my everyday life?

The ILA course provides you with practical professional tips that you can incorporate into your daily life. The lessons from ILA can be sparingly used in your professional life and personally when making decisions or setting goals. It's crucial to understand that leaders in a community are not just elected officials. Leadership takes various forms and capacities in every group, and these roles are deeply intertwined with both community and professional relationships. The ILA course, designed for Indigenous communities, bridges the gap between these two perspectives, emphasizing their mutual importance.

What kind of people am I going to be meeting?

There are people from all walks of life in the cohort. They all share the common goal of wanting to create something meaningful for their community. I enjoy seeing how close they all become throughout the cohort and how much they continue to grow as leaders since completing the academy.

What is the expected outcome of being a part of ILA?

Introducing a new community of individuals who share similar ambitions and goals for their community. These individuals offer opportunities or act as a valuable sounding board for your project, providing insightful feedback. Upon completion, you will be awarded a digital badge and certificate from Arizona State University.

Learn more about ILA

Review the application

Apply for Fall 2025

Posted on

November 16, 2023

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ILA Expresses Gratitude For Fall 2023 Cohort

bsantist — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:14:40 +0000

ILA Expresses Gratitude For Fall 2023 Cohort

bsantist November 8, 2023

AIPI Blog

ILA Expresses Gratitude For Fall 2023 Cohort

We have successfully completed the Fall 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA)! The application for the Spring 2024 cohort will open on November 17, 2023, and close on December 15, 2023. Follow along with AIPI for upcoming blogs, posts, and everything else ILA.

These experts in their respective fields imparted their knowledge, shared their insights, and gave their time to the ILA. You can read more about each of the talented guest speakers below.

Module 6: Communicating Your Story and Exhibiting Professional Etiquette;

Shareé Hurts is Strategic Partnerships Program Manager for APS working with community partners to create, innovate, and implement programs that benefit Arizonans. Prior to APS, Shareé spent ten years in the healthcare industry, primarily focused on Medicaid specializing in project management, organizational governance, and proposal development. In addition to her career in the corporate sector, Shareé has continued her passion for serving in the community. This includes her passion project of serving through teaching, an adjunct faculty member at South Mountain Community College currently teaching within the Storytelling Institute. Shareé has a bachelor’s degree in political science from ASU West and a master’s degree in law from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, ASU.

Module 7: Building Relationships and Growing Your Network;

Laurie Battaglia is CEO of Aligned at Work® in Scottsdale, AZ. Laurie is on a personal mission to wake up the leaders of organizations who think that they can delay inevitable change. She is a futurist and strategizer, a connector of people and resources. She believes in balancing people and profit in business for a sustainable future. Laurie is a strategic advisor, executive coach, and inclusive leadership consultant. She is an expert facilitator and brings groups together to achieve great things. Her superpower is building trust quickly with clients, team members, and diverse communities. Aligned at Work® is a leadership consulting firm with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Their Aligned Leader Model for Inclusive and Aligned Leadership is part of their signature program designed to build inclusion into organizational cultures through everyday actions.

Module 8: Bridging Differences and Fostering Consensus;

Maria Dadgar is an enrolled member of the Piscataway (Pi-Scat-Away) Tribe of Accokeek (Ack-Ko-Keek), Maryland. Maria has worked in the fields of Higher Education, Non-Profit Executive Management, and Tribal Economic Development for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Maria has been involved in advocating for public policies and legislation on behalf of Tribal nations regarding Economic Development, Education, Health Equity, Social Justice, and Environmental Quality. Currently, Maria serves as the Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) which is one of the oldest and largest Tribal consortiums in the United States. Under Maria’s leadership, ITCA has grown in the number of federal grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and job creation. ITCA has 71 subject matter experts on staff and has an annual operating budget of approximately $26.5 million. Maria reports directly to 21 Tribal Leaders which serve as the governing board for the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona and are the highest elected officials for 21 of the 22 Tribes in Arizona.

Module 9: Community-Centered Management Practices;

Nonie Black Elk (Ft. Peck Assiniboine & Sioux, Navajo) has been with Arizona Public Service since 2010 in roles with Human Resources, renewable energy, customer technology, and her current position as Energy Innovation Analyst for the Customer to Grid Solutions team. While supporting the Solar Communities program team, Nonie was responsible for recruiting tribal customers on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. She coordinated alternative customer engagement by hosting Lunch & Learns to educate interested customers through a Hopi translator. Ms. Black Elk’s proudest moment as an APS employee was leading the internal team to weatherize the home of a Navajo Code talker in her home community Tuba City.

Module 10: Developing Leadership Capacity and Looking to the Future;

Arlando S. Teller’s Navajo clans are Naasht'ézhi-Táchii'nii (Zuni clan adopted into Red-Streaked Forehead clan) born for Tó'aheedlíinii (The Water Flows Together clan). My maternal grandfathers are Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water clan) and my paternal grandfathers are 'Áshįįhi (Salt clan). Arlando Teller was sworn in as the first USDOT Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs on May 8, 2023. This position was enacted through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, focusing on improving programs to address critical infrastructure impacts on tribal communities within Indian Country. Prior to joining USDOT, Teller served as State Representative for District 7 in the Arizona House of Representatives. Arlando entered the aviation industry as the first Native American graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Teller worked on multimodal transportation projects for the California Department of Transportation and returned home to the Navajo Nation, where he served in multiple capacities, including Deputy Division Director for the Navajo Nation’s Division of Transportation.

We are filled with gratitude to each of the guest speakers! The open and honest discussions we had during the cohort were motivating and insightful. We cannot be more grateful for the wisdom the guest speakers have given and are excited to see how our leaders put it to use.

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November 8, 2023

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ILA Expresses Gratitude

bsantist — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:09:23 +0000

ILA Expresses Gratitude

bsantist September 25, 2023

AIPI Blog

ILA Expresses Gratitude

We are halfway through the Fall 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA)! We’ve had the honor of having very talented guest speakers during each module. We are so appreciative of all our guest speakers for modules one through five. They are experts in their respective fields and were kind enough to impart their knowledge, share their insights, and give their time to the ILA. You can read more about each of the amazing guest speakers below.

Module 1: Indigenous Leadership Practices;

Heidi Todacheene is a citizen of Navajo Nation and serves, by Presidential appointment, as Senior Advisor to Secretary Deb Haaland at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Before that, she was the Director of the Congressional Native American Caucus for the 116^th U.S. Congress, and Legislative Counsel for then New Mexico Congresswoman Haaland. Previously, Heidi worked on intergovernmental affairs, economic development, and public safety issues on behalf of Navajo Nation, served at the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, and as a civil litigation attorney. Heidi is the first in her family to attend law school and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law with honors. She is licensed in New Mexico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. District Court for New Mexico. Click here to read about her time with the ILA.

Module 2: Understanding Political and Economic Contexts in Indian Country;

April Olson has served Tribal governments for over 20 years, first as a social worker and now as an attorney and judge. April is currently a partner with the law firm of Rothstein Donatelli LLP. April practices exclusively in the field of federal Indian law and tribal law and her experience includes a wide variety of practice areas. A substantial part of her practice involves Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) matters. April has represented 9 tribes in ICWA matters in at least 10 states across the country. She has provided ICWA representation to tribes at the trial court level and in appellate proceedings. Most recently, April authored an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case of Brackeen v. Haaland. April also serves as Chief Judge of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Court, where she handles child welfare matters, and she is an Appellate Justice for the Hualapai Nation and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. April is licensed to practice in the State Courts of California and Arizona, the District Court of the Arizona, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Olson is a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association and the San Carlos Apache Bar Association and may practice in their respective courts. Ms. Olson has also practiced in the tribal courts of the Gila River Indian Community, the Hualapai Tribe, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, the Havasupai Tribe, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Module 3: Research, Data, and Indigenous Knowledge;

Vina Begay (Diné Nation) is the Assistant Librarian for the Fletcher Labriola at ASU West. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. Before professionally working as a Librarian and Archivist, Vina worked in the Theater profession for 16 years, including low budget student films. Vina graduated with a Master of Business Administration and Master of Library and Information Science with a specialization in Archival Studies and Digital Information Management. Vina has dedicated her career to safeguarding, preserving, and advocating the implementation of the Protocols of Native American Archival Materials within western institutions to ensure proper care and management of Indigenous Information of traditional knowledge. Additionally, Vina has served as Tribal Archivist consultant for Tribal communities in assistance with establishing Indigenous Archival Centers within their community, including developing archival practices tailored to the Tribe’s cultural beliefs, practices, and governance structure.

Module 4: Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise- Building;

America Meredith (Cherokee Nation) is the publishing editor of First American Art Magazine and an art writer, critic, visual artist, and independent curator, whose curatorial practice spans 29 years. She earned her MFA degree from the San Francisco Art Institute and taught Native American art history at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe Community College, and Cherokee Humanities Course. Northeastern State University named Meredith its 2018 Sequoyah Fellow. Based in Norman, Oklahoma, Meredith serves on the Cherokee Arts and Humanities Council board and the collections and acquisitions committee of the American Indian Cultural Center Foundation.

Module 5: Response and Responsibility;

Geoffrey Blackwell (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) serves as the Vice-President of the Advisory Board of Directors for the American Indian Policy Institute of Arizona State University. He is a recognized expert in Tribal economic and corporate development, as well as information and communications technology infrastructure deployment. His work with American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiians, has taken him to some of the most remote regions in the US and to other Indigenous communities worldwide. In 2020, Blackwell was a recipient of Public Knowledge’s IP3 Internet Protocol Award for his broadband policy advocacy on behalf of Tribal Nations. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on seven occasions, as a Tribal representative and as a senior federal regulator and policymaker. He also testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, on the impacts of covid on Tribal communities.

We are very grateful to all of our guest speakers thus far! Keep following us as we unveil the next round of guest speakers.

Posted on

September 25, 2023

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We've Got the Answers to Your Questions

bsantist — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:04:15 +0000

We've Got the Answers to Your Questions

bsantist June 26, 2023

AIPI Blog

We've Got the Answers to Your Questions

The application for the Fall 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) will open on July 3, 2023. Follow along for upcoming blogs, posts and everything else ILA at the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI).

This blog is dedicated to questions that you may have about applying to the ILA. If you are an Indigenous person who wants to be a contributor to your community you should apply to this academy!

When does the application open?

The application will open on July 3, 2023. You can apply here

When does the application close?

The application will close on August 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm, so be sure to get your application in as soon as possible.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who lives in the United States and meets the eligibility criteria listed on the application is welcome to apply. Arizona residents will comprise 50% of the accepted participants.

How much does it cost?

The cost for the 10 module program is $1650. Scholarships are available and you are automatically considered for a scholarship upon application to ILA. I tell people to please not let the cost be a deterrent.

What do I need to complete the application?

If you’re thinking about applying for the ILA you should update your resume. The climax is to lay the groundwork for a project that you can implement in your community, so have a project in mind because this will be the foundation for all the lessons across the 10 weeks. We want to assess your strengths as a leader so think about other leadership programs you may have participated in.

Why do I need to have a LinkedIn profile?

You gain a network of over 65 ILA alumni! A LinkedIn profile helps us to see who you are and the work you do in your community; it also creates a wonderful space for you to grow your network. I should note, signing up and using LinkedIn is free of charge. If you would like to use LinkedIn Premium, there is a fee. Don’t have a LinkedIn account? Sign up here.

How is the cohort run?

The cohort will be taught exclusively on Zoom with class materials and participation on Canvas. The first module and the tenth modules are on a Saturday and are about six hours in length.The middle two through nine modules are held for one evening a week for three hours. We utilize Canvas and there is about 1.5 hours worth of reading each week. During the modules, we have guest speakers, and professionals on that module's topic. The guest speakers are such a great way to give life and context to each module. You will be given the steps to plan out a project of your choosing that will benefit your community in some way.

What will I learn about?

Module 1: Indigenous Leadership Practices

Module 2: Understanding Political and Economic Contexts in Indian Country

Module 3: Research, Data, and Indigenous Knowledge

Module 4: Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise-Building

Module 5: Response and Responsibility

Module 6: Communicating Your Story and Exhibiting Professional Etiquette

Module 7: Building Relationships and Growing Your Network

Module 8: Bridging Differences and Fostering Consensus

Module 9: Community-Centered Management Practices

Module 10: Developing Leadership Capacity and Looking to the Future

How can I use the tools learned to use in my everyday life?

There are professional tips provided throughout the course you can use in your everyday life. In fact, the lessons taught in ILA do not have to be utilized strictly in your professional life. You can use these personally when making decisions or setting goals. Leaders in a community are not just elected officials. Leaders come in many forms and capacities, in every group. Community and professional relationships are closely linked for Indigenous communities and the ILA really brings both perspectives together.

What kind of people am I going to be meeting?

There are people from all walks of life in the cohort. They all share the common goal of wanting to create something meaningful for their community. I enjoyed seeing how close they all become throughout the cohort and how much they continue to grow as leaders since completing the academy.

What is the expected outcome of being a part of ILA?

A new network of people who have like minded ambitions and goals for their community. These people can provide opportunities or just a sounding board for your projects as well as valuable insight. Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate through Arizona State University.

Posted on

June 26, 2023

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LinkedIn Leadership

bsantist — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 20:37:46 +0000

LinkedIn Leadership

bsantist June 15, 2023

AIPI Blog

LinkedIn Leadership

The Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) Fall 2023 application will open on July 3, 2023 and close on August 4, 2023. Please join the ILA mailing list so you can stay up to date!

Because the date is quickly approaching, I wanted to give a little insight into one of the most important portions of the ILA and the application process, your LinkedIn profile. A LinkedIn profile helps us to see who you are and the work you do in your community; it also creates a wonderful space for you to grow your network. I should note, signing up and using LinkedIn is free of charge. If you would like to use LinkedIn Premium, there is a fee. Don’t have one? Sign up here.

You may be thinking,” Why this platform?” We have found LinkedIn is the best tool for ILA to disseminate information to the ILA Alumni quickly. It’s also a wonderful tool for the ILA Alumni to meet one another and connect, reach out, and ask for help from each other as well as from guest speakers and AIPI staff.

According to LinkedIn 101 the nine steps needed to have a great LinkedIn profile are:

Step 1: Upload a professional photo

Step 2: Add your Industry and Location

Step 3: Customize your LinkedIn URL

Step 4: Write a summary

Step 5: Describe your experience

Step 6: Add 5 Skills or more

Step 7: List your education

Step 8: Connect with 50+ contacts

Step 9: Turn ON "Let recruiters know you're open"

I’ve added a list of resources below. I think it’s always a good idea to remain professional on the platform and to not post, share, or re-share things that you normally wouldn’t do in the workplace. If utilized correctly, LinkedIn can be a wonderful way to connect with colleagues and meet new people. Henana, pidamaya ye (that is all, thank you). Kristen

Resources:

What Is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn 101, From Beginner to All-Star in 9 Easy Steps

MindTools, How to Use LinkedIn Effectively

Posted on

June 15, 2023

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ILA Alumni: Where are they now? EJ John

bsantist — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:24:44 +0000

ILA Alumni: Where are they now? EJ John

bsantist May 17, 2023

AIPI Blog

ILA Alumni: Where are they now? EJ John

The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is currently ramping up for the launch of applications for the fourth cohort! Sign up here to follow along and receive ILA updates.

Our guest in this “Where are they now” series is EJ John. He has the unique perspective of working at the American Indian Policy Institute as well as being a graduate of the Indigenous Leadership Academy. During the Indigenous Leadership Academy, the project that EJ created was developing a master plan to help Chichiltah Chapter implement a community development project with the chapter’s land use planning committee. EJ said, “We are addressing the lack of community development because members of our community still lack basic needs.” I’ve added EJ’s bio and some questions and answers.

EJ is AIPI's Senior Policy & Research Analyst and is a member of the Navajo Nation from Vanderwagen, New Mexico. He received his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2016 with a concentration in Indian Law. Before that, EJ received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico in 2013. His interest in law and policy came from his time interning in the D.C. office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) in 2011 as an undergrad. Before coming to the AIPI, EJ had worked on tribal government reform and development with the Office of Navajo Government Development in Window Rock, AZ.

As part of ILA, participants are asked to create a project that helps the community. What was your project idea, and how did the tools from ILA help you grow that idea?

I was fortunate because I already had a project that I was working on outside of my work with AIPI. The project was to update my home community’s land use plan which was created in 2017. The land use plan contains information on our community’s demographics and resources that are related to community and economic development. I do this work as a member of a committee, and many of the tools from ILA that helped with organization and goal setting have been very helpful.

What was your most surprising takeaway from the cohort?

I was impressed by my fellow cohort members. We all had different backgrounds, but it turned out we all did similar work in similar contexts. It was great to talk with others in my cohort about policy work in Indian Country without having to explain where I’m coming from. Our shared experiences and understanding allowed us to go in-depth with our discussions.

How has ILA impacted your life since completing the Academy?

ILA connected me to a network of outstanding individuals who can be great resources for my work moving forward. ILA also helped me with new organizational and goal-setting tools that have helped me continue the appointment for my project. These tools are especially helpful when I am working in groups and coordinating with different partners.

What is your focus as a senior research and policy analyst and why is that important to you?

Right now my focus is to analyze policy issues around digital equity for Tribal communities. The pandemic made it clear that access to the internet and digital services is essential, and people without that access cannot participate in modern life as everyone else. For me, it’s an equity issue. I want to help Tribal communities like my own to gain access to the digital world so that they can have the same opportunities as many other people around the world.

As an Indigenous leader in a higher education institution, how do you give back to your community?

I’m lucky to be close to my home community in the Navajo Nation and I am able to stay connected to a lot of the work that was in progress during the time I worked for my Tribe. My ILA project was something I left undone when I left the Navajo Nation and joined AIPI. But I’m still close enough geographically and work-wise to participate in those projects and offer my skills and knowledge to the effort. I want to see this project completed, so I now volunteer my time to work on the land use plan.

Posted on

May 17, 2023

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ILA Thanks Guest Speakers

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000

ILA Thanks Guest Speakers

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 18, 2023

AIPI Blog

ILA Thanks Guest Speakers

We have successfully completed the Spring 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA)! Stay tuned for an upcoming blog about ILA at RES 2023! Follow along with AIPI for upcoming blogs, posts and everything else ILA.

We are so grateful to all our guest speakers for modules six through nine! These experts in their respective fields imparted their knowledge, shared their personal stories, and gave their time to the ILA. You can read more about each of our accomplished guest speakers below.

Module 6: Communicating Your Story and Exhibiting Professional Etiquette;

Shareé Hurts is Strategic Partnerships Program Manager for APS working with community partners to create, innovate and implement programs that benefit Arizonans. Prior to APS, Shareé spent ten years in the healthcare industry, primarily focused on Medicaid specializing in project management, organizational governance and proposal development. In addition to her career in the corporate sector, Shareé has continued her passion of serving in the community. This includes her passion project of serving through teaching, an adjunct faculty member at South Mountain Community College currently teaching within the Storytelling Institute. Shareé has a bachelor’s degree in political science from ASU West and a master’s degree in law from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, ASU.

Module 7: Building Relationships and Growing Your Network;

Meet our CEO, Laurie Battaglia, the creator of the Aligned for Life Model™️ and the Aligned Leader™️ Model. A long-time corporate leader with over thirty-five years of experience, Laurie is on a personal mission to wake up the leaders of organizations who think that they can delay inevitable change. She is a futurist and strategizer, a connector of people and resources. Her work as a thought leader, author, and speaker contributes to her innovative approach to developing next-generation leaders who build inclusive work environments and understand that people are the heart and soul of business. Known for transforming people, cultures, and workplaces, Laurie uses her abilities as a Leadership Consultant, Trainer, and Executive Coach to help leaders discover who they are and how they lead. With her assistance, companies can expect more engaging, human-centered environments where leaders and their teams thrive.

Module 8: Bridging Differences and Fostering Consensus;

Chris James (Eastern Band of Cherokee) is President and CEO of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, where he leads the largest Native American economic development organization in the country. Prior to joining the National Center in 2017, Chris was a Senior Executive Service Appointee and Associate Administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Chris was closely involved in White House and interagency coordination with the SBA and had a hand in implementing all SBA programs and services nationwide, including those focused on the Native American community. His first job in the Obama Administration was at the Department of Treasury, where he served as an Associate Program Manager focused on Native American Community Development Financial Institutions. His entry in Tribal economic development was as Associate Director and Senior Loan Officer for the Sequoyah Fund, a Native American CDFI and an enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Chris has a Master of Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from UNC-Wilmington.

Module 9: Community-Centered Management Practices;

Nonie Black Elk (Ft. Peck Assiniboine & Sioux, Navajo) has been with Arizona Public Service since 2010 in roles with Human Resources, renewable energy, customer technology, and her current position as Energy Innovation Analyst for the Customer to Grid Solutions team. While supporting the Solar Communities program team, Nonie was responsible for recruiting tribal customers on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. She coordinated alternative customer engagement hosting Lunch & Learns to educate interested customers through a Hopi translator. Ms. Black Elk’s proudest moment as an APS employee was leading the internal team to weatherize the home of a Navajo Code talker in her home community Tuba City.

We are very grateful to all of our guest speakers! The open and honest discussions we had during the cohort with our guest speakers were motivating and insightful. We cannot be more grateful for the wisdom our guest speakers have given and are excited to see how our leaders put it to use.

Posted on

April 18, 2023

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ILA Cohort Hits Halfway Mark

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:07:00 +0000

ILA Cohort Hits Halfway Mark

spesweviwridri… (not verified) February 28, 2023

AIPI Blog

ILA Cohort Hits Halfway Mark

We are halfway through the Spring 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA)! We’ve had the privilege of hosting marvelous guest speakers during each module. We greatly appreciate all our guest speakers for modules two through five. All experts in their respective fields, our speakers have imparted their knowledge, shared their insights, and given their time to the ILA cohort. You can read more about each of the sublime guest speakers below.

Module 2: Understanding Political and Economic Contexts in Indian Country;

John Echohawk (Pawnee), is the Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, the oldest and largest nonprofit legal organization asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide. He was the first graduate of the University of New Mexico’s special program to train Indian lawyers, and was a founding member of the American Indian Law Students Association while in law school. John has been with NARF since its inception in 1970, having served continuously as Executive Director since 1977. He has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America by the National Law Journal and has received numerous service awards and other recognition for his leadership in the Indian law field.

He serves on the Boards of the American Indian Resources Institute, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the Indigenous Language Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. B.A., University of New Mexico (1967); J.D., University of New Mexico (1970); Reginald Heber Smith Fellow (1970-72); Native American Rights Fund (August 1970 to present); admitted to practice law in Colorado. See John’s resume to learn more about his experience and credentials.

Module 3: Research, Data, and Indigenous Knowledge;

E.J.John (Navajo), is AIPI's Senior Policy & Research Analyst and is a member of the Navajo Nation from Vanderwagen, New Mexico. He received his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2016 with a concentration in Indian Law. Prior to that, E.J. received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico in 2013. His interest in law and policy came from his time interning in the D.C. office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) in 2011 as an undergrad. Before coming to the AIPI, E.J. had worked on tribal government reform and development with the Office of Navajo Government Development in Window Rock, AZ.

Module 4: Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise- Building;

Pat Pruitt (Laguna, Chiricahua Apache, Anglo), is a contemporary artist who is known for his cutting-edge work that uses innovative materials, design and fabrication techniques. He first learned jewelry-making by studying with Laguna jewelers Greg Lewis and Charlie Bird, who gave him a solid foundation in traditional materials like silver and copper and traditional techniques such as repoussé. In college Pruitt studied mechanical engineering and worked as a machinist, an experience that led him to open Custom Steel Body Jewelry. With his knowledge of machining technology and his love of working in stainless steel, he developed his distinctive style of jewelry that challenges notions of what Native American jewelry is. Pruitt’s Native American heritage inspires his jewelry, but he gives every design a contemporary, industrial edge. Pruitt has also had the pleasure to sit on a few Board of Directors over the years and has served his people by holding key leadership roles within his pueblo and has served on the Laguna Pueblo Tribal Council for ten years.

Module 5: Response and Responsibility;

Felix McGowan (Little Shell Band of Chippewas), Mr. McGowan was raised in Poplar, Montana, the Tribal headquarters of the Fort Peck Tribe. He has served in many capacities in American Indian Tribal governments for the past 25 years. He is accomplished in directing Tribal enterprises within the federal procurement process and has contracted in excess of $20 million in Department of Defense procurements for Tribal businesses. Mr. McGowan provides Tribal governments with business knowledge and expertise to positively affect tribal resources and self-sustainability. In his early career he fulfilled many environmental and business roles for the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho where he provided many services ranging from political representation to federal contracting development. This early exposure to the federal contracting arena led him to work with Tribal businesses from across the country both as an employee and in support while he ran his own company for many years. He received both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Gonzaga University.

We appreciate all of our guest speakers thus far! Keep following us as we unveil the next round of guest speakers.

Posted on

February 28, 2023

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