#United States #Albuquerque #Scholarships #Education Support #Native Forward

Native Forward Scholars Fund Expands Board to Amplify its Mission

The Native Forward Scholars Fund, recognized as the largest direct provider of scholarships dedicated to Native students, has recently made significant changes to its Board of Directors. This transition involves the appointment of two new members, bolstering the organization's ability to support Indigenous education and empower Native communities. With a commitment to improving higher education outcomes for Native students, these additions reflect the organization's strengthened resolve to make a notable impact.

New Board Members

The newly appointed board members come with diverse experiences and extensive backgrounds in nonprofit support, community work, and philanthropy. Rohit Menezes, who serves as a Partner at Bridgespan’s San Francisco office, brings over 15 years of expertise advising a variety of nonprofits and foundations in both the United States and India. His global perspective and dedication to driving change within the nonprofit sector align perfectly with Native Forward's mission.

Katherine Carlton, a member of Chugach's executive leadership team, oversees critical initiatives related to community and regional development. As President of Chugach Regional Development, she understands the nuances of cultural resource management, particularly within the context of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) lands. Her experiences and insights will be invaluable in guiding Native Forward as it seeks to widen the scope and reach of its scholarship programs.

Ben Notti, a senior associate at Pt Capital, a well-respected private equity firm in Alaska, adds yet another layer of knowledge to the Board. As an Athabascan community member, his contributions will enrich discussions on economic mobility and self-determination for Tribal communities.

Leadership Changes among Existing Board Members

In addition to welcoming new members, the Board has also seen shifts in leadership roles. Lillian Sparks Robinson, a former Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), takes on the role of Chair. With her vast experience and advocacy for Native education, she is poised to guide the organization through future challenges and opportunities.

Franklin "Hud" Oberly, Jr., a founder and creative director of Here’s To You, steps into the Vice Chair position, while Cecilia Gutierrez continues as Treasurer. Amber Garrison, Global Brand President of Origins and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will remain Secretary. Together, this leadership team is set to drive Native Forward’s mission forward with innovative strategies for supporting Native students.

Voice of the New Members

Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward, expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “I’m thrilled to welcome Rohit, Katherine, and Ben to our board. They both bring incredible experience working with nonprofits and community organizations, as well as a commitment to supporting Native-led organizations. I’m confident their expertise will help us amplify our impact in supporting Native students pursuing higher education.”

Each of the new members shared their excitement about joining Native Forward and contributing to its critical work. Rohit Menezes highlighted the importance of expanding access to quality higher education, while Katherine Carlton expressed her honour in supporting the next generation of Native leaders through her new role. Ben Notti emphasized Native Forward’s role as an innovator, stating his eagerness to advise on overcoming systemic barriers to higher education.

About Native Forward Scholars Fund

Founded with the mission to ensure that Native students receive the necessary support and scholarship resources to pursue higher education, the Native Forward Scholars Fund has achieved significant milestones over the past 55 years. The Fund has empowered over 22,000 scholars from more than 500 Tribes across all 50 states, contributing to thousands of degrees in various disciplines, including more than 1,700 law degrees and 2,200 PhD degrees.

The organization combines scholarship opportunities with culturally relevant support services to enhance student success. It has effectively increased graduation rates, with undergraduate students achieving a 69% completion rate, significantly higher than the national average of 41% for Native students. Graduate student success has reached an astonishing 95%.

As Native Forward Scholars Fund continues to evolve, these new board additions and leadership changes signify its ongoing commitment to creating a thriving educational environment for Native students, paving the way for a brighter future.