The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) celebrates Native American Heritage Day with a tribute to Sarah EchoHawk, AISES CEO, for her leadership and commitment to Indigenous people pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) studies and careers.

Since Sarah joined AISES as the chief executive officer in 2013, she has focused on advancing the organization’s mission. A major goal is developing awareness of the unique challenges of promoting DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) for North America’s Indigenous people in STEM.

Sarah has expanded the AISES team and diversified AISES leadership. She has developed larger, broader, and more engaged audiences by aligning partnerships in academia, small and large businesses, and tribes and tribal entities. She has empowered employees to improve member service, upgrade our online presence, and implement new systems and technologies. She has stabilized and sustained the AISES business model, bolstering fundraising capacity and increasing financial reserves to help the organization weather changing economic environments. Her drive to succeed keeps everyone at AISES at the top of our game.

Sarah draws people together through a shared connection to AISES. She inspires new generations of STEM innovators through her participation on nonprofit boards and national committees, both permanent and ad hoc. She continually advocates for those who face difficult challenges and instills a sense of unity.

Sarah believes that to be a part of the decision, you must be a part of the process. A self-effacing leader, she does not hesitate to step forward and ask, “What is the best that can happen?”

We celebrate Sarah for her longstanding work and exemplary leadership within AISES. She is making an impact in the STEM Indigenous community with strength, courage, humility, and a focus on others.

Donate now and help further the AISES mission at www.aises.org/support.