AISES CEO Speaks on Building STEM Capacity in Indian Country

Post Date: May 2 2017

                                

Contact:  Montoya Whiteman                                                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel: 720-552-6123
Cell Phone: 303-829-7501
Email:  mwhiteman@aises.org
Website:  www.aises.org
Twitter: @AISES
Instagram: AISES_HQ
Snapchat: aises_hq

AMERICAN INDIAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SOCIETY CEO SARAH ECHOHAWK SPEAKS ON BUILDING STEM CAPACITY IN INDIAN COUNTRY AT 2017 NATIONAL TRIBAL ENERGY SUMMIT

LONGMONT, CO, May 2, 2017 – The American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s (AISES) Chief Executive Officer, Sarah EchoHawk, is speaking at the 2017 National Tribal Energy Summit:  Tribal Energy Sovereignty-Strengthening Strategic Partnerships in Washington, D.C. The 2017 Summit is hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Conference of State Legislatures on May 1-3, 2017.  EchoHawk will be serving on the panel titled, “Building Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Capacity in Indian Country” on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

“The demand for professionals with technical skills in STEM are increasing both in the U.S. and globally,” said EchoHawk.  “Employment rates are high in STEM and we must build the talent and increase the readiness of North American indigenous peoples to compete for STEM jobs and opportunities.  It starts with getting K-12 youth interested in STEM fields and supporting and motivating girls potential in STEM,” said EchoHawk. 

EchoHawk is a former ambassador for the United States Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy Initiative.  She is currently serving as the vice chairperson on the board of directors for the Native Ways Federation; is a member of the board of directors for Red Feather Development Group; and is on the board of directors for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  EchoHawk oversees a staff of twenty-one and an annual budget of more than $3 million.

AISES produces the Winds of Change Magazine which focuses on career and educational advancement in STEM.  Winds of Change publishes annually the Top 50 Businesses Engaged in STEM and the Top 200 Colleges for Native Americans. The Top 20 Tribes/Tribal Communities Engaged in STEM is in research and development for fall.   To access Winds of Change visit, www.aises.org/news/woc

AISES is celebrating its 40th Year in 2017. The 3-day National Conference is September 21-23, 2017 in Denver, Colorado.  Events include Indian Country’s largest career and opportunity fair, gala, and a closing powwow featuring Northern Cree Singers. Over 2,000 participants are expected with over 70 session/workshops planned.  Visit conference.aises.org for information about the National Conference, obtain an Exhibitor Prospectus or learn how to become a member.

Tribal members and others interested in energy issues in Indian Country are invited to attend the 2017 National Tribal Energy Summit.  The Summit is being held at the JW Marriott located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-2000.  For details, visit:  http://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/national-tribal-energy-summit-2017.aspx

About the American Indian Science and Engineering Society

AISES is a national, Native American nonprofit whose mission is to substantially increase the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.  Founded in 1977, with a rapidly expanding membership of more than 4,000 individual members, AISES sustains 190 chartered college and university chapters, 15 professional chapters, and 158 affiliated K-12 schools supporting over 55,000 students.  AISES has awarded over $10.3 million in academic scholarships to over 5,000 American Indian STEM students. Through scholarships and internships, workforce development and career resources, national and regional conferences, science fairs, leadership development and other STEM focused programming, AISES is the leader in STEM opportunities for indigenous people of North America.

If you would like more information, call Montoya Whiteman at 720-552-6123 or email mwhiteman@aises.org.

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