Letter from the new Executive Director, Maurice "Mo" Smith

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As the new executive director of AIBL, I am excited to have the honor to lead this organization and build on the tremendous foundation and good work accomplished over the past 15 years. There is no doubt that this is an opportune time for AIBL and its membership to align its efforts with the long-range goals of the Obama Administration, tribal leaders, “corporate America”, institutions of higher education and other national Native nonprofit organizations.

“Education is key to improving the lives of American Indians and empowering tribal nations to build a better future.” -- Barack Obama

For the last fifteen years, I have been in leadership positions with national non-profit organizations.  I have gained a wealth of experience in creating effective sports, wellness and education programs in a variety of settings.  In this capacity, I have worked with numerous Indian owned business and enterprises, corporations, foundations and government agencies that have supported and/or sponsored activities and programs for the benefit of Native youth.

Four years ago, I was inspired by a team of business students from the University of Colorado – Denver, when bidding for the 2006 North American Indigenous Games.  Together, we worked on a variety of projects, including the development of a business plan and strategy that would take a “grass-roots” approach for confirming the award of the games to Denver, Colorado. This required developing key partnerships and alliances with tribal governments, federal and state agencies, municipalities, institutions of higher education and local community-based organizations. In addition, it was important for us to engage the Native American and tribal communities in the planning and organizing process. As a result of our partnerships, over 7,000 Native American and First Nations youth participated in North America’s largest sport and culture celebration over a ten day period, generating a total of $25 million in economic activity for the Denver metropolitan area.

This incredible experience reaffirmed my belief that if students and communities work together, a different world is indeed possible. Students have the capacity to support and improve community-based initiatives and projects. At the same time, these students had the fortitude and commitment to bringing an event to their community that was never done before.

I thank you for your past work and continued support of AIBL.   Your commitment to and investment in AIBL, gives Native business students the opportunity to obtain an education, acquire experience and leadership skills, while maintaining his/her cultural identity and be a successful American Indian business leader within their community.

Over the past 15 years AIBL has had tremendous success in achieving this mission: “To support and promote education and the development of future American Indian business leaders.” The AIBL network has grown from 45 chapters to 62 Chapters in the past two years.  67% of our AIBL students are located at Tribal Colleges and Universities and another 29% are in K-12 settings across the country, impacting 500 students annually and 2,000+ Alumni.  AIBL will continue to impact Native communities by partnering on educational projects designed to support and promote American Indian students in learning activities that enhance and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods.  What’s more, AIBL inspires a new generation of leaders to continue this work in the long-term: over 90% of AIBL members plan to remain committed to AIBL, regardless of career path.

It is my brief observation, the former executive directors, Ms. Tina Begay, her staff, the AIBL chapters, and Board of Directors have developed a national organization to support and promote American Indian business students and/or entrepreneurs at various levels of their development. At the same time, these business students are building their skills and cultivating their passion to pursue a career in business and be successful American Indian business leaders within a tribal community and/or mainstream society, upholding AIBL’s four founding principles; education, experience, leadership, and culture.

This is the first of my quarterly messages to AIBL supporters like you. I encourage your participation and ideas, as well as your financial support, as we move through these next critical years in our development. In addition, I look forward to meeting you at AIBL’s Annual National Leadership Conference in Carlton, MN, April 8-10, 2010.

Please feel free to contact me via email at maurice.smith@aibl.org your comments or visit our website at www.aibl.org.
 
In Solidarity,

Maurice “Mo” Smith
Executive Director

Mo Smith graduated from Regis University with a master’s degree in nonprofit management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  Following his work as the Executive Director of the Native American Sports Council, a member organization of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Mo has now stepped into the role of Executive Director of AIBL, where he will be responsible for leading the organization in its next phase of growth.