From left, Kashayla Smith, Douglas Capitan, Constance Begayne, Cheyenne Woodie, Isabelle Herbert, Laura Smith-Owen, Shannon Smith, and Marla Rafael were part of the Navajo Technical University American Indigenous Business Leaders Club, which included three advisers and five students. The chapter attended a conference at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 10. (Courtesy Navajo Technical University)
From left, Kashayla Smith, Douglas Capitan, Constance Begayne, Cheyenne Woodie, Isabelle Herbert, Laura Smith-Owen, Shannon Smith, and Marla Rafael were part of the Navajo Technical University American Indigenous Business Leaders Club, which included three advisers and five students. The chapter attended a conference at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 10. (Courtesy Navajo Technical University)cca

On March 10, the American Indigenous Business Leaders Chapter at Navajo Technical University achieved first place in the Chapter of the Year contest during the National Business and Leadership Student Conference at Caesars Palace.

The AIBL Club is composed of three advisers and five attending students. On the first day of the conference, students Constance Begayne and Cheyenne Woodie participated in the Elevator Pitch Competition.

“Constance and I had the opportunity to volunteer for the conference,” said Kashayla Smith, AIBL co-adviser. “The students were able to network with other AIBL Chapters and connect with potential sponsors.”

Constance Begayne, NTU AIBL president, Student Senate representative Cheyenne Woodie and AIBL member Shannon Smith competed in the Chapter of the Year competition, presenting the chapter’s accomplishments.

Their presentation focused on community outreach, fundraising and leadership initiatives over the past year. Each team had five minutes to present, followed by a five-minute Q&A session with judges.

NTU AIBL highlighted several key points during their presentation:

Recognition of advisers and NTU administration, staff and faculty, including adviser Douglas Capitan, adviser Marla Rafael and co-adviser Kashayla Smith.Acknowledgment of businesses supported by the advisers and students: Bizhbah, Native Choices Catering, and Tso Family Healthcare.Leadership activities such as NTU Club Drives, a partnership with the Office of Dine Youth, and a Toy for Tots toy and book shipment organized in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps.Fundraising efforts, including NTU AIBL sponsorship letters and a hot cocoa and coffee sale during the Crownpoint Night Parade.

During the Chapter of the Year presentation, Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya and Miss Navajo Nation Ranisha Begay were honored by the NTU chapter for their attendance. Before the conference, Beygane contacted the office of the Navajo Nation president and vice president, inviting them to attend.

“Overall, the students presented professionally and demonstrated a passion for their hard work over the past year,” Smith said.

The NTU chapter received a trophy and a $1,000 check with their designation.

“On behalf of the NTU AIBL Club, I would like to thank our sponsors Dyran Murphy Architects, Kelly and Associates, Navajo Nation Shopping Centers, Navajo Technical University, and the American Indian College Fund,” Smith said.