AIBL 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.
internships
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
%
Of AIBL internship participants received full-time job offers from the company they interned with.
%
(*Center for Education Statistic)
%
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
“Coming from a girl who grew up on the reservation, survival mode was all I knew. Entering college and trying to navigate the world beyond that reality was not just difficult; it was isolating. As an Indigenous person, society often writes your story before you even begin, expecting you to fail. And for a long time, I believed that narrative.
Even in the midst of that struggle, I felt a deeper purpose, a calling to create change for my people. The American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) mentorship program helped me turn that calling into action. Through mentorship, professional development, and a powerful network of support, I gained the tools, confidence, peers, and vision to lead with purpose. For the first time, I felt seen and not just as a student, but as a future leader.
I entered AIBL as an intimidated rez girl with a dream. I left as a young woman empowered— now an educated government employee, content creator, business owner, fashion model, and a proud advocate for Indigenous communities. AIBL didn’t just support my journey. It helped define it. For that, I’m forever grateful.”
-Denmi
“I’m deeply grateful to AIBL for opening doors I never imagined possible. As an Indigenous graduate student, I came to AIBL seeking guidance on how to bring my education into both the corporate world and my community. What I found was more than professional development; I found healing, confidence, and direction. Through AIBL’s mentorship and conferences, I secured a year-long internship with Sony Music Entertainment, connecting me with mentors in NYC who continue to support and inspire me.
One of the greatest gifts AIBL gave me is a community, a powerful network of other rez kids with similar challenges, dreams, and goals. I found people who understand me deeply, because they come from stories like mine. We share similar traumas, hopes, and determination.
Before AIBL, I was a first-gen rez kid just trying to figure out how to lead when you’re the first in your family to do so, and how to succeed despite limited resources and generational challenges. AIBL gave me the tools to grow, both professionally and personally. Today, I work with the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, where I help plan and carry out large-scale projects, including our
Nation’s economic summit. The tools I gained from AIBL show up in my daily work and personal life, and they continue to shape how I serve the people around me. To the AIBL staff and donors, ahéhee’, fa’afetai, thank you. Your investment in me changed my life and will echo for generations.”
-Keona
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%
Post-Mentoring Program Impact
%
Secured leadership opportunities
%
%
started or continued working on a business, side hustle, or entrepreneurial project
%
stayed connected with AIBL mentors, peers, or alumni network
%
of alumni would recommend the Mentoring Program to other students
“I have looked up to many of the people that I met in the program. As a current and future leader there is/will be students who look at me this way. It was important for me to see more Native American people in leadership positions so that I am able to replicate and share what I learned.”
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
Emergency Fund
We have given $4K to emergency support
Once a year, students can apply for emergency support to help cover non-academic financial costs related to rent, childcare, internet, food, cell phone, and professional clothing. With the cost of living high, AIBL hopes to alleviate additional stress so students can focus on school.
“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
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
Over 6,000 business student and professionals impacted since 1994.
“It was an incredible experience and I am so happy to have had the chance to be a part of this event. This experience was way out of my comfort zone but I feel like I grew both personally and professionally.”
“AIBL was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes. I was happy to be part of it.”
“With my student leadership role, I was able to meet almost all students and speakers which required me to get out of my comfort zone and introduce myself. Meeting everyone in that manner has provided me the experience to get out of my shell more and I am very thankful for that opportunity.”
Fort Peck Youth Summit
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
Over 600 Indigenous youth impacted since 2023.
Alumni Spotlights
Michael
AIBL has offered opportunities that aligned with my career goals, fostering an environment where I could develop the skills and confidence needed to advance in my field. This nurturing and supportive community has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
Kashayla
AIBL has supported my professional goals by inspiring me to goal set and encouraging me to take on challenging tasks to help enhance my skills and knowledge. AIBL has influenced my life by giving me the skills to be myself and my imperfections are beautiful.
Anselmo
AIBL has supported my professional goals by giving me access to mentors, internships, opportunities, and experiences. I honestly don’t know where I would be today if it were not for AIBL. Not only did AIBL help me on a business level, but a personal development level for healing, leadership, and growth.
Aaliyah
AIBL has opened my eyes to a lot of different connections through conferences. When I went on my Mentoring Program trip, we attended the NAFOA conference. I’ve been to multiple Native American conferences but not specifically for business. It showed me that there’s a lot more than I think there is out there for us.
Kamia
The biggest impact from AIBL has been the motivation I gained from attending conferences. These events inspired me to complete my education and gave me clarity about my identity as an Indigenous woman in corporate environments. This empowered me to navigate my career with confidence, while expanding my network allows me to seek advice and support from others.
Esmarie
AIBL significantly impacted my education and career through networking throughout Indian Country. These connections expanded my understanding of Indigenous businesses and leadership. I’ve learned the importance of self-care and balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities. This balance is essential for success in business and life.
Ashley
As an alumni of AIBL, it gave me an opportunity to be more confident in speaking, to learn more about business, and create a presentation on what we did as a chapter each year.
Wyndi
The biggest impact for me has been on attending the conferences and networking with other Indigenous business leaders who are motivators in achieving your goals.
$49K
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.
Through AIBL’s Charity Golf Classic and our partners, Synchrony Financial and Syndicated Scholars, more than $49K has been raised and distributed to Indigenous students, supporting tuition and book costs.
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
$25k+
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.
