2024 impact
Empowering the Indigenous spirit through business leadership
Increase the representation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in business and entrepreneurial ventures through education and leadership development opportunities.
Education
Experience
Leadership
culture
annual report
At the heart of AIBL’s work is the belief that by empowering our students, we are investing in the future of our tribal nations. The young leaders we support carry forward the traditions, values, and innovations that will ensure our communities thrive for generations to come. Their successes are the foundation upon which we can build stronger, more self-sufficient nations.
AIBL Statistics
As a direct result of completing our internship program, our 2020 cohort of students reported tremendous growth.
%
Increase
In professional skills
%
Increase
In soft skills
%
Increase
In communication skills
Our students
AIBL Chapters
AIBL Chapters are designed to help facilitate the overall goals of AIBL. Chapters are student groups at high schools, tribal colleges (TCUs), and universities, providing leadership development, career and college guidance, and networking through educational activities, community service projects, and social activities. Chapters are a support system to help students facilitate the transition of being away from home while attending school.
Each Chapter is led by an AIBL advisor who works closely with members to help organize, recruit, mentor, and lead Chapter meetings and activities.
Students
Tribes
Chapters
States
“AIBL changed my life. I did not have the resources or the support to encourage me to pursue my dreams. In 2021, I joined AIBL while attending Navajo Technical University. I was shy and had no idea what I would be doing with my life. I served as President for the NTU AIBL Chapter and participated in the Mentoring Program 1.0. There I made friends with unique and remarkable students and mentors. I was able to learn more about myself through the encouragement and support through various sessions involving leadership development and expressing our authentic selves. I also had the honor of being part of the Mentoring Program 2.0, where AIBL became family to me. I made connections and felt like I was growing into the potential everyone saw I had. I took on a student leadership position at the 2024 AIBL Conference as social media manager.
I would not be where I am today without AIBL. I am a first generational Native American student with an associate degree in accounting. I am currently pursuing my education by obtaining my bachelor’s degree in business administration. AIBL has given me the love and support to help me pursue my dreams in achieving the impossible.”
-Frederika
Subheader
Programming
Mentoring Program 1.0
Funded through the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), the Mentoring Program 1.0 provides training, mentoring, and networking opportunities–empowering Indigenous youth with business leadership skills and experience to lead economic endeavors within their communities. The program strengthens professional skill sets and personal resilience by incorporating a holistic and culturally responsive approach to business leadership.
Over a period of three months, students meet virtually with a business professional mentor, AIBL mentor, and participate in a two-day in-person leadership retreat, covering 30 leadership skills and concepts in the areas of career building, professional excellence, and personal resilience. Students receive a new laptop, business backpack, and completion stipend.
23%
In three months students increased overall proficiency in leadership skills and concepts by 23%
%
Career Building
increase in soft skills that are critical indicators of success in professional careers.
%
Personal Resilience
increase in behaviors and traits to elevate professional development.
%
Leadership Proficiency
increase in mind, body, and spiritual balancing to healing and cultivating a growth mindset.
100%
of students gave a
5 star rating
Mentoring Progam 2.0
In partnership with Synchrony Financial, the advanced Mentoring 2.0 Program provides training, mentoring, and networking opportunities–empowering Indigenous youth with business leadership skills and experience to lead economic endeavors within their communities. The program strengthens professional and personal development by incorporating a holistic and culturally responsive approach to business leadership.
Over a period of three months, students meet virtually with a business professional mentor, AIBL mentor, and participate in a two-day in-person development retreat, covering trauma healing, interviewing, presentation, boundary, and communication skills. Students receive business clothing and a completion stipend.
Learned something new by taking the advanced program
Grew professionally since finishing the advanced program
Grew personally since finishing the advanced program
“I joined AIBL in 2020 while attending Northeastern State University. Through AIBL, I participated in the Mentoring Program 1.0 and Advanced Mentoring Program 2.0. The Mentoring Program made me a better person because I engaged in deep conversations with my AIBL family. I have never been the person to open up about all aspects of my life, but when you do and have a support system, it makes you feel like you can achieve anything with powerful people backing you up. The support and encouragement through AIBL gave me the confidence to be the MC at the 2024 National Conference.
Without AIBL, I would not have pursued my Masters, become the first person in my family to travel the United States specifically to learn new leadership skills, gained the confidence and opportunities to speak in front of large crowds, been proud of my culture, and had an organization that I know I can count on for wisdom, strength, and love in my life. I am very proud to be a part of AIBL, and it has made such a positive change in my life.”
-Christian
Subheader
Events
National Conference
At AIBL’s National Business & Leadership Student Conference, school-based AIBL Chapter members link their traditional school coursework with business and entrepreneurship education in a way that expands their skill set beyond traditional academic methods, while serving as a valuable networking opportunity for emerging business leaders and established professionals through our partnership with the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) and two presenting sponsors, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Caesars Entertainment.
Students had opportunities to participate and watch Chapter of the Year, Business Plan, and Elevator Pitch competitions, winning prize money to further support Chapter activities. Ten students were incorporated into the conference experience to gain and strengthen valuable leadership, presentation, and project management skills in the areas of MC, stage manager, AV tech, social media, registration, and setup.
“I had such an amazing time at the AIBL conference. You are changing lives. It was an honor to be able to sit on the student leadership panel with such polished students.”
-AIBL Student
Business Leaders Impacted
%
Identified as Native
Chapters in Attendance
%
Identify as embodying an entrepreneurial spirit
Tribal nations represented
%
Increased attendance from previous year
Fort Peck Youth Summit
The 3rd Fort Peck Tribal Youth Summit is a collaborative effort between AIBL board member Sam McCracken, Nike N7, and the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), providing a platform for Native youth to explore their cultural identity, develop leadership skills, and envision a future of prosperity for themselves and their communities. Through a series of workshops, activities, and discussions, the summit empowers Native youth to embrace their cultural heritage, prioritize mental and physical health, and become leaders in their communities.
“At the Fort Peck Summit, I liked the games that the hosts chose to play, I also enjoyed listening to the guests who came to talk. They were very positive and motivational. I liked meeting new people there and hope to go back next year!”
– Youth participant
Tribal Youth Summit participants
Business and athlete professional speakers
Basketball clinic youth participants
Charity Golf
The 2nd AIBL Charity Golf Classic not only supports the next generation of Indigenous business leaders through AIBL programs but also establishes a series of scholarships in honor of founding sponsors; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
Gabby Lemieux, a member of the Shoshone Paiute tribe of Duck Valley Indian Reservation and first female Native American pro-golfer participated in our “Beat the Pro” Competition. The 2024 presenting sponsor was Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures.
Raised in academic scholarships
Golfers on the course
Sponsors
“This tournament brings together Indigenous business leaders, community members, and golf enthusiasts for a day of camaraderie and fundraising. It was fun getting to meet so many great people! Can’t wait to do this again!”
-Gabby L.
$52K
raised in academic scholarships
Academic financial support
Scholarships
Higher education is highly valued within Indigenous communities and AIBL is stepping in to support the academic needs of students.
The 2nd AIBL Charity Golf Classic raised $20,000 this year and combined with its first-year contribution, AIBL is ready to scholarship $40,000 between two AIBL students in the academic degree areas of business and hospitality management.
Beyond golf, our partner, Synchrony Financial, teamed up with AIBL to provide $1,000 summer scholarships, covering book and tuition costs for 12 AIBL students.
Professional development
Partner Conferences
AIBL supports professional development and leadership activities outside of AIBL-led events by funding selected students to attend national conferences and leadership summits through partnerships with United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), GlobalMindED, and Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA).
Unity
“Attending UNITY for the first time was a powerful experience. Being part of such a large gathering of Indigenous youth and engaging with inspiring speakers and workshops was both enlightening and deeply meaningful.” -Keona L
globalminded
“These experiences have not only broadened my knowledge but also inspired me to apply inclusive practices and diverse perspectives in my professional endeavors moving forward.” -Lillian H
nafoa
“I was able to network with tribal leaders and organizations. I like to challenge myself because I see that as a way of growing and knowing I can accomplish anything.” -Frederika T
$20K
In financial support covering meals, professional clothing, airfare, hotel, registration and parking
college readiness
UNLV Native
Youth College Camp
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Native Youth College Camp is fully funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. AIBL covered travel costs for Phoenix-Scottsdale Chapter students to attend the camp. The camp aims to spark a vision in Native youth to see themselves as college students and expose them to higher education early in their academic careers.
Students and chaperones resided in UNLV dorms, explored the UNLV campus, learned about degree programs and college life, met other Native youth from across Indian Country, took off-campus tours, and explored topics such as tribal hospitality & gaming, Indian law, and STEAM.
The four-day camp for Native American students grade seven through twelve provided a unique and fun college & career readiness experience.
“The camp was a good experience to learn new things that I would’ve have learned back on the Rez. The lessons taught throughout the whole camp was a real nice experience for me and will stick with me throughout my life. I will definitely be coming back next year.” – Troy B.
“During this trip, I learned to be more outgoing and how to approach people.” – Sky D.