AIBL is a national organization with “the mission to increase the representation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in business and entrepreneurial ventures through education and leadership development opportunities.”
AIBL’s Fort Lewis chapter is dedicated to empowering and equipping students into leaders through several events hosted annually such as our Rooted Innovation Conference, Indigenous Business Panel, Artisan Markets, and workshops/info sessions during our weekly general member meetings.
Through these events, students engage in learning environments where there is student-professional networking, collaboration and critical thinking developing student’s current skillsets.
Every spring, AIBL holds their national conference in sequence with the Reservation Economic Summit (RES). At AIBL’s national conference, we participate a Business Plan competition, Chapter of The Year competition, listen to keynote speakers, discussion sessions, and meet other student leaders across the country. Through this conference, we have access to RES’ vendor tables, tradeshows, workshops, and info sessions. I networked for both AIBL and Wakhályapí at these events.
I have worked with AIBL Fort Lewis since the fall of 2021 as a business owner and working my way up from Vice Chair of fundraising, VP of Outreach, and now my second year as President.
As President I have done the following:
Plan and facilitate weekly events, general meetings, and executive meetings
Publicly speak and represent AIBL at various campus, local, and national events
Oversee budgets and purchases within AIBL
Manage and develop executive officers into student leaders (11 officers)
Collaborate with student government (ASFLC) and other registered student organizations (RSO) such as the Financial Allocation Board (FAB), Wanbli Ota (Many/Plenty Eagles), and Beta Alpha Psi.
Create documents for donations, fundraising, and administrative needs
Acted as Human Resources, Public Relations, and Social Media Coordinator
Professionally managed internal and external conflicts
Networked with the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, professionals, and other student leaders at conferences and public events throughout the four corners
Facilitated an MMIW Honor Walk on the Fort Lewis College campus
Help AIBL reach RSO 3 status at Fort Lewis College, the highest status you can receive. This achievement is recognized through our hard work and impact on the campus community.
Take a look at some key highlights. There is much more!
