| Winter 2025 |

Circle of Hope
Why Diversity Matters
Greetings, my dear friends and relatives,
I want to start by expressing my deep thanks to each of you for reaching out to me, and others across the College Fund team, to share your concerns for us, as well as reminding us of your commitment to our work and the students and communities we serve. Your ongoing care is evidenced by the generosity shown, especially during these past few months, and I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.
This is particularly meaningful during a time when the importance of diverse thoughts, cultures, knowledge, and perspectives is being challenged. While this concerns me from a financial perspective, even more, it saddens me for what it means and what will be lost. When people operate from a place of fear but also have tremendous power, it can be dangerous and can result in irreparable decisions with impact beyond anyone’s understanding.
To date, because corporations are pulling back on their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we have lost funding for two significant scholarship programs that originated through diversity and inclusion-focused philanthropy. Combined, these programs support nearly 100 students each year with meaningful scholarship – and all I can think about is 100 talented, smart, innovative, forward-thinking, culturally=grounded young people, now with limited opportunities to complete their education – all because someone is afraid to stand up for diversity in order to avoid the conflict of defending its value.
It is hard for me to imagine where I would be today if I didn’t embrace diversity. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always served me well. As a “mature” Native woman, in my community I am considered an Elder, which comes with some power, respect, and leadership responsibility. Professionally, I work in an environment where almost everyone is younger than me and, personally, I have children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren who are also much younger than me – and they all have a lot to say.
I’m not sure if you’ve had this experience, but, in my world, it seems the younger the person, the bigger their voice, which, in my culture, is a bit shocking for me sometimes – and I’m tempted to stifle them and remind them they need to listen more and talk less. But what I do instead is stifle myself, take a breath, and listen, and oftentimes what I hear surprises me in the best possible way. When I reflect on the 13 years I’ve been leading the College Fund, I can clearly see how the contributions of people of all ages, cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds have contributed to making us the strong, self-directed, innovative organization we’ve become. This has, in turn, created opportunities to help more students graduate and have meaningful careers, created stronger student support systems resulting in higher graduation rates, and supported tribal colleges and universities in growing and expanding their ability to meet students’ and their communities’ needs.
Innovation and growth feed on diverse thoughts and experiences. Even when diversity seemingly leads to disagreements and tension, the resolution of that tension builds strength and unity. As many corporations are pulling back on their commitment to diversity, I am so saddened by the thought of losing the progress we’ve made in the past few years in acknowledging how one’s experiences in the world, both good and bad, are shaped by how you look, the language you speak, your cultural beliefs and practices, and, particularly, your spending power.
I’ve been hopeful and encouraged by the forward movement in support of marginalized people in recent years, especially by the increased inclusion of often-overlooked Native talent and expertise through focused mentorship, internship, and scholarship programs. But I am now equally discouraged by the backwards movement in the past several months. I see the abundance of energy devoted to extinguishing the hopes of all marginalized people that the world will ever be a safe, welcoming place for them – and it scares me for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all my friends and relatives.
At a time when it would be so easy to sit in that scary space, it is more important than ever that we keep moving forward in a positive, strong way and never give up on our goal of creating safe, inviting spaces for all people, and to remind us all why that is so important.
I would love to hear from you about a time when you embraced a different perspective and how it helped you grow and learn – please email me at prezcrazybull@ collegefund.org. Our stories are wonderful reminders of how diversity makes us stronger and better – and always, always has value. We will celebrate and remember this as we continue pushing for our place in this world.
Yours in strength and unity,
Don’t Miss Out on EATSS – NEW DATES ADDED
Step into an unforgettable evening that celebrates the rich traditions, artistry, and culinary brilliance of Native chefs. Our EATSS events are more than just a night out – they’re a vibrant tapestry of sensational sights, soothing sounds, and tantalizing tastes that will leave you inspired and connected to the land and its people.
With every bite, every note, and every moment, you’ll feel the energy and passion that fuels the dreams of our Native scholars.
Proceeds directly support their educational journeys, helping to empower our next generation of leaders. Learn more about how the College Fund helps scholars at standwith.collegefund.org today!
Last Chance to Grab Tickets!
EATSS TWIN CITIES
February 18, 2025
5:30pm – 8:30pm CST
Historic Guthrie Theatre
Featuring musical guest Rufus Wainwright
EATSS DENVER
April 11 & April 12, 2025
5:30pm – 9:30pm MST
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring musical guest Nathaniel Rateliff with the Colorado Symphony
EATSS NEW YORK
May 14, 2025
5:30pm – 9:30pm EST
More Details Coming Soon
When we think about our friends and relatives like you…
The outpouring of love and support in recent months has been overwhelming in the best possible way. True, there are a lot of unknowns in our world today. The issues that matter to Native people could go in many possible directions in the new year. But because of you, we remain cautiously optimistic and ever hopeful.
You hold a place in our hearts that nobody else can and we are grateful!
A Native Woman
Ready to Use
Her Voice
Student Story: Elizabeth
A Native Woman
Ready to Use
Her Voice
Student Story: Elizabeth
As parents, grandparents, educators, and role models, we know how important it is to speak encouragement to the children around us – to name their talents, to share with them all that is possible, and to support them on their journey. But what if that same child goes out in the world every day and hears nothing but discouraging words?
Like so many Native children, Elizabeth grew up hearing Native people criticized and stereotyped. Despite having a talent for showing cattle and a passion for her family’s business, even as a little girl, she struggled to see her place in the world. Worse than benign neglect, the words and actions of teachers, neighbors – even friends – seemed tailor-made to silence her.
Teachers and counselors suggested she strive for a 2.0 GPA, setting her expectations low. “You will never make it out of this town. You will end up pregnant with no education,” they said, shutting down her confidence. When she was sexually assaulted by a trusted friend, she buried her anguish deep inside, believing no one would help her.
To this day, the memories weigh on her. Especially the pain of believing a little more each day that her voice – her truth – didn’t matter.
When the time came to apply for college, she could no longer see the path. “I didn’t think that my grades were good enough in high school. I didn’t believe in myself.
I didn’t think I was worthy enough to go to school to get an education, or that I could work that hard,” she recalls.
But Elizabeth summoned an immense inner strength to begin again. Bravely, she opened up to her mother about her assault a year later. As she started to heal, she set out to prove wrong every person who had tried to silence, diminish, or discourage her. Soon, she realized higher education was not just for her – it was the path to reclaiming her voice.
A natural networker, she made some calls and quickly joined up with the local community college cattle show team. From there, she won her first scholarship, and ever since has pursued volunteering, internships, and competitions with a single-minded determination, including a stint as Oklahoma Hereford Queen!
When a bachelor’s program at Kansas State seemed financially out of reach because the living expenses would be so high, a College Fund scholarship kept her going. “It just made me open my eyes,” says Elizabeth. “People could see I had that drive and passion and wanted me to succeed in life. It lit a fire in me that I can do this – and be a spokesperson for Native Americans.”
Soon, she will be applying to master’s programs, and she will have more than earned a seat. Every step of the way, Elizabeth has done so much more than prove people wrong. She’s established herself as a
leading voice in her industry, using her platform and passion to serve.
It hasn’t always been easy. In a white, male- dominated business, inclusion was not guaranteed. “I was scared at first because I didn’t know how people would react to the color of my skin. I did hear comments like, “why is she here,” “she doesn’t belong here,” or people simply wouldn’t talk to me. But for every unkind comment, there were so many more people who welcomed me with open arms, willingly gave their time and advice, and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Armed with education, Elizabeth understands the future is in learning and collaboration. She has fresh ideas stemming from her national sales and marketing experiences to combine with the traditional knowledge of Native people about land stewardship, bison herding, and sustainability. She knows having influence and impact in the cattle industry will help Tribal Nations achieve greater self-determination and sovereignty.
As she heads toward graduation this spring, Elizabeth is owning her voice in every space she walks in – including representing Native women in agriculture, supporting tribal youth to see their highest and best potential, and a cause close to her heart, breaking the bonds of silence surrounding sexual assault survivors in Tribal communities.