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From Kayenta Arizona to Structural Engineering and Beyond: Meet Remarkable Allly Stanford Lake
Allyship is the active and consistent support of people who can open doors of opportunity for others. This engagement helps others who may not have the social capital to get to financial freedom. For the rest of January, GlobalMindED will be featuring some tremendous allies who are role models for all of us.
Stanford Lake is a dedicated advocate and leader from the Navajo Nation, committed to empowering Indigenous and first-generation communities. As an ally, he works to uplift others by fostering opportunities and supporting small businesses, especially those led by Indigenous entrepreneurs. Stanford believes in the power of collaboration to create thriving networks and pave the way for future leaders. His mission is rooted in humility, perseverance, and a deep respect for the values of his heritage.
What is your personal and professional Story?
My personal story began in the small town of Kayenta, Arizona, nestled within the deep region of the Navajo Reservation. As an Indigenous Native person, I deeply valued the teachings of my ancestors, passed down through my parents. These teachings emphasized the importance of hard work and maintaining a harmonious balance called Hozho with the natural world surrounding us. This traditional Navajo way of life instilled in me a profound respect for nature and a commitment to preserving our cultural heritage.
In addition to my ancestral teachings, I was an avid reader, devouring books, magazines, and newspapers to stay informed about life beyond the reservation borders. From my readings, I recognized that education was the key to unlocking opportunities.
Driven by this realization, I made the decision to leave the familiar confines of the reservation and pursue a college education and career in structural engineering. My aptitude for numbers guided me towards this field, and over the years, I honed my skills and gained invaluable experience as a professional structural engineer.
Despite my successful career, I never forgot my roots or the people who supported me along the way. I continually asked myself how I could utilize my skills and experiences to give back to my community and my Navajo people. This introspection led me to open my own business and become a first-generation business owner. The principles of hard work and perseverance that I learned during my early life on the reservation served me well during the challenging times of establishing and growing my business. I never gave up, and my resolve only strengthened with each obstacle I overcame.
As I navigated the business world, I realized the importance of being an ally, particularly to the next generation of students and youth from my community. I am committed to teaching them about the boundless opportunities that the business world offers. It is essential to support other small businesses, especially Indigenous ones, to ensure their success. This collaboration fosters a sense of humility and honor, as we uplift one another and create a thriving network of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
My advice to other Indigenous business owners is to strive to be leaders in their respective sectors. By doing so, they pave the way for the next generation, providing them with a better chance of overcoming the hardships and challenges of entrepreneurship. My highest goal as an ally and leader is to keep pushing forward and helping as many people as possible along the way. The business I created is not just a source of income; it is a means to support causes, fostering a community of colleagues and referrals.
GlobalMindEd played a pivotal role in broadening my perspective on the impact that first-generation business owners can have. Their support and the opportunity to present and facilitate a session at their annual conference a year ago has been immensely rewarding. I am grateful to GlobalMindEd for that experience, which has further inspired me to continue making a difference. I hope to continue my professional partnership with GlobalMindEd to reach these goals.
Review the stories of the incredible Allies in GlobalMindED's network:
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