On May 9, 2025, Cherokee Federal, the contracting sector of Cherokee Nation Businesses, received the 2025 Business Partnership Award from SourceAmerica at the annual Achievement Awards event. This recognition highlights the company's significant contributions in enhancing job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, specifically through its efforts at Fort Carson supporting the AbilityOne Program.
Designed as one of the largest employment initiatives in the United States for individuals with disabilities, including veterans and wounded warriors, the AbilityOne Program leverages federal contracts to create jobs nationwide. This initiative provides participants the chance to earn competitive wages, actively engage within their communities, and develop skills that facilitate their career advancement across both public and private sectors.
Art Spring, Cherokee Federal's Defense Health Account Executive and a board member of the Alliance for Expanding America's Workforce, accepted the award alongside retired U.S. Army Major General Ken Dowd. Spring attributed the honor to the diligent efforts of the Cherokee Federal team and its collaboration with Global Connections to Employment (GCE), which nominated Cherokee Federal for this award. His statement emphasized, "This honor is a reflection of the powerful work being done every day by our team members and partners like GCE."
The partnership with GCE aims to transform the lives of those involved, ensuring that they don't just fill positions but also find fulfilling careers through vocational training and personal development. GCE is recognized as one of the largest private employers hiring people with disabilities, offering roles primarily in custodial services, food service, IT, and other fields that support both military and commercial contracts.
Moreover, Dowd stated, "Our work with GCE makes an inspiring difference in people's lives and supports the critical missions of our federal customers." This sentiment mirrors the broader vision of the Achievement Awards by SourceAmerica, which aims to spotlight both the efforts of non-profit organizations and businesses to support people with disabilities while addressing the workforce's significant need for inclusivity.
The significance of this award comes during a critical juncture; individuals with disabilities face an unemployment rate nearly double that of their counterparts without disabilities. Therefore, recognitions such as the SourceAmerica Achievement Awards are crucial to promoting industry-wide inclusivity, showcasing leaders, initiatives, and partners committed to fostering economic inclusion.
Cherokee Federal's operational strategy is underpinned by its commitment to support federal missions through its network of tribally owned, small disadvantaged businesses. The firm provides flexible contract solutions tailored to fulfill government objectives while maintaining a strong foundation in program management and capabilities to effectively serve its clientele.
The 2025 Business Partnership Award from SourceAmerica not only marks a commendable achievement for Cherokee Federal but also sets a benchmark in how federal contracting can be a catalyst for social change. As the company continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: to build teams focused on innovative solutions that address America's pressing challenges while providing meaningful opportunities for those who have faced barriers to employment.
To learn more about Cherokee Federal and its initiatives, visit
cherokee-federal.com.
For more on SourceAmerica and its annual Achievement Awards, go to
SourceAmerica.org.