Strategic Appointments Propel Native Forward into Future Success

Exciting New Leadership at Native Forward
The Native Forward Scholars Fund is proud to announce significant additions to its Board of Directors, aimed at amplifying its mission of supporting Native students in their pursuit of higher education. The newly appointed members possess a wealth of experience in nonprofit sectors, corporations, and community organizations.
New Board Members Selected
Welcoming fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds, the appointed board members include:
- Rohit Menezes, who is a Partner at Bridgespan with extensive experience advising various nonprofits and foundations in the U.S. and India.
- Katherine Carlton, a crucial part of Chugach's executive team, who leads projects focusing on community and regional development and cultural resources.
- Ben Notti, a Senior Associate at Pt Capital, dedicated to supporting private equity initiatives.
Enhancing Leadership to Drive Change
In addition to the new members, several existing board members have taken on critical leadership roles to foster the continuing mission of Native Forward:
- Lillian Sparks Robinson will now serve as Chair, bringing her wealth of experience as a former Commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans.
- Franklin "Hud" Oberly, Jr., with a solid background as the Founder and Creative Director of Here's To You, steps up as Vice Chair.
- Cecilia Gutierrez, Managing Director at Blue Meridian Partners, remains in her vital role as Treasurer.
- Amber Garrison, Global Brand President of Origins, continues as Secretary, ensuring organized operations within the Board.
Voices of Commitment and Vision
Expressing excitement about their new roles, the new board members share their commitment to the mission of Native Forward:
"I’m thrilled to welcome Rohit, Katherine, and Ben to our board," expressed Angelique Albert, the CEO of Native Forward. "Their extensive experience will fortify our commitment to enhancing opportunities for Native students. Together, we can drive the support they need to achieve higher education goals."
Rohit Menezes added, "I look forward to contributing to Native Forward’s mission to expand access for all Native students. Collaborating with such a dedicated team is an honor."
Katherine Carlton remarked, "As a proud Chugach shareholder, joining the Board allows me to support the empowerment of future Native leaders. I’m excited to utilize my skills in this vital area."
Ben Notti shared his enthusiasm saying, "Native Forward is breaking barriers, and I’m eager to lend my support as a Board Member to optimize efforts aimed at enhancing educational access for Native communities."
About Native Forward
Native Forward Scholars Fund plays a crucial role as the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, fostering greater economic mobility and self-determination within Tribal communities. This organization ensures every Native student has access to resources necessary for higher learning. For over 55 years, Native Forward has empowered more than 22,000 scholars from over 500 Tribes across the U.S., significantly contributing to the educational achievements, including over 1,700 law degrees and 2,200 PhD degrees. Their holistic approach combines scholarships with culturally relevant support, resulting in a noteworthy graduation rate of 69% for undergraduate students, in stark contrast to the national average of 41% for Native students, and achieving an impressive 95% for graduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the Native Forward Scholars Fund?
The fund aims to provide scholarships and support for Native students pursuing higher education, enhancing access and success in academic endeavors.
2. Who are the new members of the Board of Directors?
The new members are Rohit Menezes, Katherine Carlton, and Ben Notti, all bringing diverse and rich experiences in nonprofit and corporate sectors.
3. What roles have current Board Members taken up?
Lillian Sparks Robinson is now Chair, Franklin "Hud" Oberly, Jr. is Vice Chair, Cecilia Gutierrez continues as Treasurer, and Amber Garrison remains Secretary.
4. How does Native Forward support students academically?
Native Forward provides scholarships paired with cultural support programming to help Native students achieve their educational goals, increasing overall graduation rates.
5. How many students has Native Forward assisted over the years?
Native Forward has empowered over 22,000 scholars from more than 500 Tribes, contributing significantly to higher education representation for Native communities.
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