By Megan Smith, College of Menominee Nation Administrative Assistant
2025-2026 Indigenous Visionaries: Women’s Leadership Program
Vlog Transcript
Opening – Who I am (45 seconds)
My name is Megan Smith, and I’m part of the Indigenous Visionaries Women’s Leadership Cohort through the American Indian College Fund. I currently work at the College of Menominee Nation as the Administrative Assistant to the President and Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors, and my professional journey has really centered around supporting leadership, governance, and positive change within my community on the Menominee Reservation. Before working in higher education, I worked in tribal government in the Chairman’s Office where I served as an Executive Assistant and later as the Executive Director under the Tribal Legislature. In that role I supported high-level government operations, helped facilitate communication across departments, and worked alongside leadership to address issues impacting our community. Those experiences helped shape my understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with serving our people.
Why I Joined the Indigenous Visionaries Program (1 minute)
I was encouraged to apply to the Indigenous Visionaries program by the President of the College of Menominee Nation, who has been a strong supporter of my professional growth. At the time, I was looking for opportunities to continue developing my leadership skills while also pursuing my bachelor’s degree. For me, leadership development isn’t just about advancing professionally — it’s about becoming someone who can help create meaningful change for my community and support future generations. What really drew me to this cohort was the opportunity to learn alongside other Indigenous women who are also working to strengthen their communities and institutions.
What Indigenous Women’s Leadership Means to Me (1 minute)
One of the things that this program has reinforced for me is how Indigenous women lead with a deep sense of responsibility to their communities, culture, and the generations that come after us. Leadership for Indigenous women is not always about titles or recognition. It’s about showing up, serving others, listening, and making decisions that center the well-being of our people. Often, we find ourselves walking in two worlds — navigating modern systems like higher education or government while also staying grounded in traditional values and teachings. That balance is something I continue learning about throughout this cohort.
Western vs Traditional Perspectives Session (1–1.5 minutes)
During one of our recent sessions, we talked about western perspectives versus traditional Indigenous perspectives. Many of us realized that we often measure success through western expectations — things like productivity, career milestones, or feeling like we always have to be moving forward. But traditional teachings remind us that leadership also includes balance, reflection, and connection to community. That conversation really made me think about how I navigate both worlds in my own life — working within professional systems, while also trying to stay grounded in the values and teachings that guide our communities.
Brain Dump Activity Reflection (1–1.5 minutes)
One activity that really stood out to me during that session was a brain-dump exercise. We had five minutes to write down everything that was running through our minds at that moment. At first, it felt overwhelming. A lot of the thoughts that came up for me were things I felt like I should have done, things I needed to do next, or responsibilities I was carrying both professionally and personally. When we talked about it afterward, many of us realized that those thoughts created feelings of anxiety and pressure. That activity helped me recognize how often we are constantly thinking about the next responsibility instead of allowing ourselves the space to pause and reflect.
Star Patterns – Recognizing Habits (45 seconds)
Another concept we discussed was something called star patterns, which are the habits and routines we fall into over time. Some of those patterns support our growth, while others can keep us stuck in cycles of stress or self-pressure. Reflecting on that made me realize how easy it is to stay in a constant cycle of productivity — always thinking about the next task or responsibility. But leadership also requires us to slow down and be intentional about the patterns we create in our lives.
My Vision for Leadership and Community (1 minute)
My vision for my community is one where strong leadership empowers future generations to thrive. I believe in leadership that brings people together, values collaboration, and creates systems that truly serve our people. In my own career, I see myself continuing to bridge education, governance, and community engagement. I want to contribute by helping build systems and processes that make leadership more accessible and effective, while also mentoring and supporting the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Ultimately, I hope to be someone who connects people, listens deeply, and helps create opportunities that strengthen our community for generations to come.
Powerful Closing Line (Last 15–20 seconds)
One thing this cohort continues to remind me of is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to learn, supporting one another, and staying grounded in the values that guide our communities. As an emerging Indigenous woman leader, I’m grateful for this journey and excited to continue growing alongside the women in this program.
