by Tinhorn Consulting | Entrepreneurship, Training, Women Warriors
What an amazing year 2018 has been for Native women! I am proud to say that my daughter Zoey is growing up in a world with Native role models whom ARE Olympic gymnasts, computer scientists and elected U.S. Congresswomen. These accomplishments are a reality today for our Native people — and my daughter’s ambitions are not pie-in-the-sky dreams, they ARE achievable.
Everyday I encounter Native women transcending gender inequalities. By shattering the glass ceiling, they are introducing my daughter to a world of possibilities.
She could be an international award-winning architect like Wanda Dalla Costa of Redquill Architecture from the First Nations in Canada.
Or an economic empowerment thought leader like Vanessa Roanhorse of Roanhorse Consulting from the Navajo Nation.
These Native women ARE putting their own stamp in the world and making a difference for indigenous communities, which is a shared vision with Tinhorn Consulting, LLC.
From the local to national to international, in 2018 Tinhorn Consulting LLL was called upon to:
- Open doors for Native political candidates. By working with 7Gen Leaders, Tinhorn Consulting helped with brand identify and marketing collateral for the launch of this new organization that helps elect leaders that are making decisions that will have positive impacts on generations to come.
- Invest in Native Business women owners and entrepreneurs. Tinhorn Consulting LLC is at the forefront of initiatives like Project Dreamcatcher that offers free business training to Native women business owners; Tinhorn Consulting participated in an inaugural business summit of Native women business owners and leaders; and, collaborated with Cherylee Francis of Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona to present at a global trade summit in Mongolia, opening doors for Native businesses at an international level.
- Support the next generation of Native business leaders. Tinhorn Consulting proudly participated in educational events for UNITY, Arizona State University and others to encourage students interested in business and entrepreneurialism, providing helpful tips and experiences unique to Indian Country.
- Improve business leadership and management for tribal organizations. Organizations such as the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona’s Good Health and Wellness In Indian Country and the United Southern and Eastern Tribes (USET) sought Tinhorn Consulting’s training and facilitation expertise to address barriers impacting progress and communication.
- Make connections to and within Indian Country to address disparities. Tinhorn Consulting worked with the Arizona Community Foundation and tribal non-profit leaders to discuss strategies to increase participation of tribal communities in philanthropy; and, assisted Care1st to improve outreach and understanding of disparate health care needs and access in Indian Country.
2018 has been called the Year of the Woman; the same is true for Native women. This is my daughter’s world and I tell her everyday to do whatever makes her heart sing. With the positive Native role models around her, she and Native women everywhere ARE and WILL lead in political leadership, business, science and more.
by Tinhorn Consulting | Training
Eight years ago, as I was just starting my own business, I had a distinct vision. I could visualize myself on an auditorium stage in front of a large crowd. I didn’t know exactly what my role was, except that I knew I had a purpose and a message.
Eight years later, my vision came true.
Earlier this month, I presented at a global women’s conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as one of two featured Native American speakers representing Native women business owners. The International Federation of Women in Commerce and Industry (IFWCI) invited Tinhorn Consulting, LLC and the Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona to share information about the digital economy and industry in Indian Country before an international audience.
It was an eye-opening experience on many levels.
First, when I started Tinhorn Consulting, my goal was to help change perceptions of Native people, by telling our own stories in our own voices. While in Mongolia, I was startled to hear the misperceptions about Native American people. Many believed Native Americans no longer existed. Others, while not intending to be negative, referred to us as the “Red Indians.” I was quick to say that Native people are still very much alive and thriving, and identified myself as a proud Hualapai woman. Everywhere I went, I encountered curiosity. I realized that even as Native people still encounter stereotypes in our own backyard, there are also global misperceptions that also must be addressed. Native American people are very much a part of the world economy and many other people around the world are curious and ready to work with us.
Secondly, as I counted my own blessings to be a part of a global economic dialogue in Mongolia, I recognized I owed the chance to connections. I would not have had the opportunity to be a part of such an event without the connection I first made with Cherylee Francis of the Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona. That connection led me to being a part of the IFCWI conference, which in turn presented me with a range of additional opportunities that I hope will come to fruition. For the Native businesses out there….connect, engage and you will achieve.
Finally, I thought about the evolution of my business, especially as I celebrated the 8th anniversary of Tinhorn Consulting on September 10th. My initial foray as a small business owner had focused on web development but has since expanded into training, facilitation, marketing, tribal liaison services and more. And now I add public speaking as part of my portfolio. I want to participate, not only in local events, but also on a global stage, to speak about the creativity and innovation of Native people and the opportunities to partner with Native businesses. Tinhorn Consulting has blossomed over its eight-year history and I’m ready to go to the next level.
My vision has realized. I’m ready to take the stage.
Do you have an event and need a public speaker? Ready to book your Tinhorn Consulting speaking engagement? Use our contact form and let me help you meet your educational and outreach goals!
by Tinhorn Consulting | Training
For a brief time in my life, I was gifted an opportunity to be a educator, teaching basic computer skills to community college students. It was an enlightening experience, especially as I was the one who learned valuable lessons and skills in the process. What I learned is that it isn’t enough to share knowledge, or to speak at the students. I had to open myself to the students, to be present in their educational journey and engage with them and earn their trust.
Now I apply these lessons in my business. At Tinhorn Consulting, a key part of our business focus is to develop and implement training workshops for tribal entities and community partners. Because of our focus on Indian Country, our workshops are uniquely balanced to be respectful of cultural sensitivities and values.
My rule of thumb is that trainings ought to be informative, applicable to your business needs, and gratifying, i.e. “fun.” Participants in our workshops are engaged from beginning to end. We start with interactive icebreakers, identify consensus ground rules, apply concepts to real-world situations, and conclude with presentations by participants to share their learned knowledge.
Whether you’re the employee, manager or CEO, we all need a little help to hone our skills, improve communication and efficiency, or stay abreast of the latest in technology. Whatever your professional development needs are, Tinhorn Consulting can work with you.
Ready to book your 15 minute mini-consultation with Tinhorn Consulting to schedule your training session? Let’s get started!
