A Personal Message from the Founder, CEO & President

Throughout my career, I have strengthened Native American and Indigenous businesses, Tribal Nations, and underserved communities through comprehensive business development, economic strategy, strategic investment, and culturally grounded leadership. Guided by a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and mentorship, I bring more than 35 years of experience advancing sustainable economic opportunities, strengthening Tribal economies, and promoting long-term, community-driven economic self-sufficiency.

In 1999, I founded Southwest Business Development Consultants, LLC (SWBDC) to empower Indigenous and minority-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises, and communities to achieve greater economic independence and prosperity. Over the years, SWBDC has established a strong reputation for delivering comprehensive business, community, economic, and tourism development services, strategic planning, feasibility studies, and investment strategies throughout the Southwest and across the United States.

An important milestone in our company's history was SWBDC's successful participation in and graduation from the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program (2009–2018). This experience further strengthened our firm's capabilities, competitive positioning, and commitment to helping underserved businesses navigate government contracting and economic development opportunities.

In 2019, under my leadership, SWBDC was awarded a $2 million, multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to establish and operate the Four Winds Diversified (FWD) Project.

This transformative initiative strengthened American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and minority-owned businesses through comprehensive entrepreneurial training, access to capital, government and commercial contracting assistance, strategic partnerships, and business capacity-building services.

Over six years, the FWD Project generated significant, measurable economic outcomes:

• 300+ minority business enterprises served
• $510 million+ in contracts and capital secured
• 3,310 jobs created
• 350%+ return on investment for the MBDA

These accomplishments represent more than financial statistics. They reflect businesses strengthened, employment opportunities created, entrepreneurial aspirations advanced, and greater economic opportunities for Indigenous and underserved communities.

In 2014, I co-founded Go Weh Yaza, LLC (GWY), a New Mexico-based, American Indian-owned joint venture that delivers high-quality institutional food service management solutions.

GWY serves Tribal educational institutions, universities, technical colleges, high schools, government agencies, and military and law enforcement training facilities. Our approach emphasizes operational excellence, culturally responsive services, nutritional quality, and long-term institutional partnerships.  Under my leadership, Go Weh Yaza, LLC has secured more than $18 million in institutional food service contracts, demonstrating the value of strategic partnerships, operational capabilities, and Native-owned business participation in competitive government and institutional markets.

On April 1, 2022, Albuquerque Business First honored me in its New Mexicans to Know series, recognizing my leadership and contributions to business and economic development.

From 2017 through 2025, Southwest Business Development Consultants, LLC and Go Weh Yaza, LLC have been recognized among New Mexico's Top Ten Indigenous-Owned Businesses by revenue, with rankings reaching as high as No. 2 statewide. 

These recognitions reflect the dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts of our employees, professional consultants, business partners, and the many clients and communities who have entrusted us with their economic development initiatives.

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Accounting and Business Management from the College of Santa Fe and graduated from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth's Minority Business Development Agency Executive Education Partnership Program.

As an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, with Seneca-Cayuga and Mohawk ancestry, I take great pride in my Indigenous heritage and the values of responsibility, respect, perseverance, and service that continue to guide my professional and personal life. 

My commitment to Tribal sovereignty, economic self-determination, and sustainable community development extends far beyond business consulting. I believe that meaningful economic development must honor cultural traditions, strengthen local leadership, create opportunities for future generations, and empower communities to shape their own economic futures.

As I reflect on more than three decades of professional experience and the growth of SWBDC since 1999, I remain deeply grateful for the relationships, partnerships, and opportunities that have shaped this journey.

My greatest professional satisfaction comes not simply from completing projects or securing contracts, but from witnessing businesses grow, entrepreneurs succeed, communities strengthen, and Tribal Nations advance their long-term economic aspirations.

I firmly believe that lasting economic prosperity begins with a shared vision, informed planning, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities we serve.

As I look toward the future, my mission remains unchanged: to advance economic opportunity, strengthen Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, mentor emerging business leaders, and help build a lasting legacy of prosperity for Indigenous communities and future generations.

Thank you to the Tribal Nations, organizations, clients, professional partners, and individuals who have placed their confidence in SWBDC throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve you, and I look forward to continuing our shared journey of opportunity, growth, and success.