The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) has
named District IIa Band member Adrienne Benjamin to its 2018 class of "Native American 40 Under 40" award recipients. Nominated by members of their communities, this prestigious award is bestowed to individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication and have made significant contributions in business and their community. The National Center is celebrating the 10th anniversary of these awards.
Award winners will be honored at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 29–30. The event — "Impacting Generations: Honoring a Decade of Exceptional Service and Leadership" — will be held in conjunction with the National Center's next Native Edge Institute (NEI), a one-day training session focused specifically on procurement. Past and present 40 under 40 awardees will have the opportunity to participate in programming with the goal of providing additional professional development, networking, leadership, and mentorship opportunities.
“The 2018 40 Under 40 award recipients are made up of a diverse group of young women and men cultivated from across American Indian and Alaska Native communities," said Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center.
"Each of these individuals has devoted their skills and resources to enhancing their communities. From business, academia, healthcare, tribal government, politics, non-profits, journalism, the law, finance, and marketing, 40 under 40 winners are shining examples for all of us to follow. For the 10th year in a row, it is an honor to recognize these individuals and leaders who will continue to define success for the future of Native American business."
For more on Adrienne's honor, see future issues of Ojibwe Inaajimowin.