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From Solar Farm Sustainability to Tribal Leadership: Meet Tawnie Snow Knight
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to highlight Tawnie Snow Knight, a proud member and Council Woman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc, Colorado. Guided by her parents’ belief in the power of education, Tawnie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and began her career in Economic Development, where she helped create a 1MW community solar farm for her tribe. Now serving her community as an elected leader, she works on initiatives that support education, business, water, land preservation, and healing from the legacy of boarding schools. Tawnie’s journey reflects the strength, wisdom, and dedication that define Native leadership—rooted in heritage, driven by purpose, and focused on building a better future for the generations to come.
Tell us about your personal journey.
My journey started when I was little. The days my parents made me to go school every day because they said I would need an education to be able to live in this tough world. Throughout my elementary, middle and high school years, I had good grades and challenged myself with reading, math and English. In college, I joined American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) and National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS). With my classes and these organizations, I believe they helped me get ready for my career.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
My first real job after college was a specialist for the Economic Development department for my tribe. This was so much fun and I learned so much on a variety of different projects. My first successful project was the creation of a 1MW community solar farm. I owe so much of my knowledge and experience to this job.
Now, I am a Council Woman for my Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. In November, I will have completed a year in this role. Our tribal members are in charge of choosing who they want to be in these positions. I am very grateful the members gave me a chance to complete this work.
That is the most important event that has shaped my current path. I work for my people and I do what I love every day. I am working for over 2,000 members through the focuses on education, business, water, boarding schools and preserving land.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your work?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that you have to listen to your heart. I am in charge of daily decisions that change the impacts of my people and tribe. If I feel something is not right, I listen to my heart and decide with that emotion. Being a council member is not something that there is school for or classes you can take. You step into the role not knowing a lot of things, even with an education, it’s hard to follow every single thing that happens daily on the reservation and keeping up with all politics- State and Federal.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My children are what drive me every day. The children are our future and we have to keep our mindset on giving them the best future they can have. Every meeting I attend, trip I take, I remind myself all this work is for them and all the other children who aren’t born yet.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED offers valuable resources and opportunities for leaders in urban areas, but those of us working in more rural and tribal communities often have limited access to the same support. As one of only two reservations in Colorado, it would be wonderful to see more resources and outreach extended to leaders like myself and others who are doing this important work in our communities.
Contact Tawnie Snow Knight:
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