Curriculum Vitae

I am a highly engaged self and group motivator with significant strength in and understanding of a vast range of nonprofit, tribal, and corporate management strategies and communication platforms. I am an expert in leadership, diversity and inclusion, public speaking and relations, marketing, grant writing, program budgeting, news and portrait photography, digital video, and social media.

 

I believe my career choices reflect how my talents promote and better people and communities.

Languages

BASIC HTML 

CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH

LEARNING LAKOTA

KARAOKE

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

PUNS

SARCASM

BUFFY-SPEAK

WIZARD

COMMUNICATIONS & PR DIRECTOR

Salt River Schools, Administration

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

10/2016-Present

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• Responsible for developing and implementing the Division’s communication plan, including the oversight of Division news and information publication through multiple channels, including local media, web, and social media.

• Ensure the quality of all outgoing Division materials, including supporting sites and departments by ensuring consistency in content, voice, quality, and brand awareness.

• Respond to inquiries from the media, the public, parents, staff, and the Salt River Community.

• Serve as a Division public information officer.

 

EDITOR

Native Peoples Magazine

Phoenix, AZ

08/2015-12/2016

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• Lead and supervise 5 full and part-time staff, as well as 20+ freelance writers across the United States for a 30-year-old, bi-monthly, international niche magazine with 40K print readers, 12K website readers, and 10K digital app users.

• Manage magazine/web/app content and layout. Develop, assign, and edit all articles, video, and photos. 

• Produce monumental growth (70 percent within six months) in engaged social media following: 300K+ Facebook, 7K+ Instagram, 2K+ Twitter, and 10K+ views on YouTube.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with businesses, indigenous artists, and nonprofit organizations to increase advertising and subscription revenue.

• Expert use of Adobe, Mac, and Microsoft Office software; additionally, expert use of Nikon/Canon/Sony equipment.

• Oversee editorial direction, coordination and content of the magazine by conceptualizing/planning issues, researching articles, writing articles, editing articles, proofing issues, and collecting/coordinating photography and photo shoots with the publisher and creative director.

• Develop a 501c3 foundation, mission, and goals.

• Implement the financial and editorial budget per issue.

• Serve as spokesperson for NPM and its affiliated products and publications.

 

FAMILY ADVOCATE

CPCD Head Start

Colorado Springs, CO

08/2014-08/2015

 

• Empower underserved families with skills needed to achieve educational, employment, and social connection goals. Service caseload of 90+ families with 75% success rate (goal achievement).

• Facilitate bi-monthly diversity and cultural competency trainings to CPCD staff (topics include Gender & Sexuality; Indigenous Cultures; and HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention).

• Provide emergency assistance/crisis intervention to families indicating need.

• Direct agency’s “Two-Generation Approach” with regards to employment: Lead a monthly Job Club for parent clients interested in a career change or skills development; cultivate relationships with employment resources within the community; and meet with individual clients to develop résumés, cover letters, and interviewing skills.

• Assist with agency marketing and promotion efforts, including photography and video of CPCD programs and events (Fantasy Flight 2014 and Ballet Class 2015).

 

(FREELANCE) MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Various

2003-Present

 

• Currently write columns, news and features for Everyday Feminism, Native Peoples Magazine, and Indian Country Today Media Network. Also photograph and produce video to accompany stories.

• As freelance journalist in Sioux Falls, wrote and produced Sunday Life centerpieces (1,500-2,500 words, plus photos and video, four to five times per year) for Argus Leader Media. Focused on Native American culture and human-interest issues.

• Specialize in Gannett-certified digital media, including photography (Canon and Nikon products), digital video (Sony and Panasonic equipment), and editing (Avid, InDesign and Photoshop).

• Covered county government, city desk news and features, and breaking cops/courts/crime news as FT reporter for Argus Leader Media (2006-2008); Lincoln (Neb). Journal Star (2004-2006); and the Rapid City (S.D.) Journal (intern, 2003). Produced 10-15 published pieces/week, including one-to-three front-page stories/week, as well as two interactive photo and digital video compliments.

 

CULTURAL COORDINATOR &

LEAD CRISIS INTAKE SPECIALIST

​Volunteers of America, Dakotas

Sioux Falls, SD

03/2012-12/2013

 

• Supervised at-risk juvenile offenders, including goal-setting, curriculum development, and utilizing social learning theory and COA standards for after school Evening Report Center and the 24/7 crisis intake venue Reception Center, which decrease juvenile incarceration rates and save taxpayer dollars through the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (see ). Provided direct supervision to six staff.

• Built successful relationships with local and regional media outlets, in addition to coordinating community-wide partnership events to garner support of programming, including outreach and funding.

• Key researcher, writer and administrator of more than $400,000 in program grants.

• Co-chaired Minnehaha County Disproportionate Minority Contact committee, which provides oversight, training, and technical support of detention alternatives to regional court, law enforcement, and social services.

• Created and sustained program budget and database of all youth demographic and assessment information. Responsible for gathering, assessing, and reporting quarterly and annual findings to stakeholders. Expert user across all Microsoft Office platforms, as well as many online document-sharing interfaces.

• Facilitated monthly cultural awareness and diversity programs for the VOA agency and Sioux Falls community; reach audiences of 20-100 people. Among the more popular issues I have presented include Two Spirits, Indian Mascots, and Lakota Competency 101.

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota

Sioux Falls, SD

​09/2011-01/2012

 

• Managed public messaging and media relations, including TV, radio and print interviews, preparing press releases and developing media strategies.

• Tracked media trends and developed attention-grabbing messaging campaigns relating to civil rights issues.

• Recruited, cultivated and managed 200+ regional volunteers. Created agency’s first volunteer contact database.

• Designed, developed and managed user-friendly and stimulating content for newsletters, web sites, Facebook and Twitter. Doubled output and reach of these platforms within five months.

• Produced and coordinated the scheduling of advertising for media and event programs, including public events, information booths, and educational civil rights presentations for area colleges.

• Researched, analyzed and conveyed complex and controversial issues to narrow and broad audiences.

• Extensive civil rights and political outreach to Native American, LGBT, and immigrant communities. 

 

 

NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM MANAGER

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire

Sioux Falls, SD

03/2008-9/2011

 

• Grew program from 25 matches to more than 120 community-based mentoring relationships between positive adults and Native American children ages 7-18. Emphasized culture and academic success through events, after-school programs, and community gatherings.

• Recruited marginalized volunteers and youth, performed interviews, background and reference checks, mentor training, and home assessments.

• Provided outreach via public speaking to area organizations, businesses and classroom environments regarding Native American culture, mentoring, and issues. Averaged 8-10 outreach activities/month.

• Successfully presented four annual appeals to United Way, resulting in increased annual program funding.

• Utilized outstanding analytical and writing skills to research Native American youth disparities information to apply for grants totaling $20K, which created an elementary-level after-school culture club that contributed to academic success and less absenteeism for participating youth.

• Managed scheduling and tasks of graduate-level program interns every semester.​

"Phenomenal communicator and leader. Taté is more than a mentor, she is an advisor and a partner. She works above and beyond her duties in every facet. Always a pleasure and always exceeds my expectations. Thank you Taté."

- Dana F., Big Sister

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Master of Science in Administration

​2011 - 2013

 

Attained 3.75 GPA throughout six semesters. Courses included personnel management, managerial communication, administrative thought and ethics, budgetary and fiscal management, administrative law and government, research in administrative practices, multimedia production, and writing for public administration, among others. 

 

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

South Dakota Instructor Certificate #74957-0

Valid through July 2014

 

Two-year alternative certification endorsement in K-12 South Dakota Indian Studies. Obtained in order to teach middle school Native American Connections class for semester-long contract.

 

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

Bachelor of Arts in English-Communications

2002-2004

 

• Pursued degree in journalism and documenary-style film; minored in political science.

• News Editor of college paper, The Independent, 2003-2004. 

• President, Native American Honor Society (2004). 

• Member, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society

• FLC Dean’s List 2002-2004.

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude.

FEMINIST HUMANIST ALLIANCE

Advisory Board

National Post

2016-Present

 

The Feminist Humanist Alliance (FHA) is an adjunct organization of the American Humanist Association. This platform functions at the intersection ofhumanist philosophy and inclusive feminism. We strive to build healthy communities that confront discrimination and oppression guided by the principles of intersectional feminism. In order to shape the world we want to live in, we are determined to engage inequality through compassion, education, and promoting social liberation.

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY ARIZONA

Communications Committee Chair

Phoenix

2016

 

"Indigenous Peoples Day" re-envisions Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism into an opportunity to reveal historical truths about the genocide and oppression of Indigenous peoples in the Americas, to organize against current injustices, and to celebrate Indigenous resistance and resilience across Arizona.

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GIRL SCOUTS OF COLORADO

Troop Volunteer

Colorado Springs

​2014-2015

 

A new adventure, and one I can pursue with my daughter. I did Girl Scouts from first through seventh grade and loved it. 

 

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SIOUX EMPIRE

Native American Scholars Mentor

Sioux Falls, SD & Colorado Springs

2007-2015

 

Mentored Tiffany (22) for six years; Precious (20) for two years; and mentored Sierra (19). 

 

SIOUX FALLS DIVERSITY COUNCIL

Board Member, Annual Conference Speaker & Presenter

2008-2013

 

• Facilitate interactive cultural competency and diversity training presentations with attendance of up to 200+ in educational institutions, non-profit agencies and community organizations, including the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University, University of Sioux Falls, Augustana College, City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls School District, and the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center.

• Served as the diversity council’s board secretary from July 2010 through August 2011. Chaired the board’s 501(c)(3) application committee, and the youth advisory committee.

• Build coalitions between multicultural communities and workplaces, as well as lead/assist group discussions concerning issues of difference.

• Advise on sensitive personnel/student issues.

• Instrumental in planning, coordinating and securing funding for public events and conferences.

• Design and prepare educational and training informational materials (curriculum, brochures, newsletters) for corporate and educational milieu.

 

CITY OF SIOUX FALLS

Human Relations Commission

2013

 

• Chosen by mayor to promote civil rights and enforce the law of equal opportunity for Sioux Falls residents.

• Developed diversity community leader database for mayor’s stakeholder committee.

 

YWCA's GIRLS ON THE RUN

Lead Coach, Hawthorne Elementary School

Sioux Falls, SD

2006-2008

 

Led 3rd-5th grade girls through physical activity and mental/emotional/social/academic/lifestyle healthy practices using proven methods and curriculum two hours twice per week for 12 weeks, twice a year (Fall/Spring). Each season culminated in a 5K event all girls finished via built confidence and empowerment. 

NATIVE AMERICAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

National Media Awards Winner

2016, 2015, 2014

 

Awarded top prizes in the "Professional Division III" category (8,000+ daily circulation):

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2016

• 1st Place - Best Column 

• 1st Place - Best Feature Photo 

• 1st Place - Best Feature Story 

• 3rd Place - Best Feature Story 

 

2015

• 1st Place - Best Feature Story

• 2nd Place - Excellence in Beat Reporting

• 2nd Place - Best Column

• 2nd Place - Best Feature Photo

 

2014

• 1st Place - Best Feature Story

• 2nd Place - Best Feature Story

• 2nd Place - Excellence in Beat Reporting

 

GREAT RACE

Traveling Art Exhibit

Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies

2016 Selected Poet

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The Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies put together an exhibit showcasing contemporary perspectives on the ancient story of the "Great Race," as retold by Lakota author James LaPointe in Legends of the Lakota (1976). "One of the innovative aspects of this exhibit is that each of the passages will be interpreted or illustrated by four types of artworks—a 2-D artwork, a 3-D artwork, a poem and a musical score or song—thereby creating what we are calling 'vignettes.' These eight vignettes will recount the Great Race narrative using LaPointe’s words along with artworks by 32 contemporary Lakota artists: eight poets, eight painters, eight musicians and eight 3-dimension artists."​ Here is more information about the specific vignette I interpreted into poetry: Sakpe.

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KOPKIND

Political Camp/Retreat for Journalists & Activists

Vermont

2015 Participant

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About Kopkind: "The Kopkind Center is a living memorial to the late journalist Andrew Kopkind, who wrote on politics and culture with a matchless style and depth for national and international publications until his death, in 1994. The project, which brings together journalists and filmmakers and grassroots activists, puts on seminars in Guilford VT for its visiting participants in the summer and hosts a number of free public events. Kopkind is a non-profit educational foundation. The Board’s president is renown journalist JoAnn Wypijewski."

 

GREAT PLAINS WRITERS' CONFERENCE

Emerging Tribal Writer Award

South Dakota State University

2013 Winner

 

Inaugeral winner for fictional short story about surviving sexual abuse as a child. The award encourages tribal storytellers in the early phases of their writing lives and to honor those of extraordinary merit and promise. 

 

CITY OF SIOUX FALLS

Community Connections

Class of 2011

 

Selected as one of eight community members to participate in a six-month pilot program through the City’s Human Relations office. 

 

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Leadership Sioux Falls

Class of 2010

 

Selected as one of 25 participants for the Chamber’s premier leadership-building programs. Monthly sessions are highly interactive and thought provoking. 

 

SOUTH DAKOTA JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ten Outstanding Young South Dakotans

2010 Award Recipient

 

Nominated and awarded this prestigious statewide honor for volunteerism and community service.