Vanessa Sanchez of Salish Kootenai College

Vanessa Sanchez has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership, earning numerous awards and achievements. During the 2023-2024 academic year, she distinguished herself by maintaining outstanding academic standings, including being named to the dean’s list multiple quarters and achieving remarkable grade point averages. In the fall 2023 quarter, she earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, followed by a strong 3.6 GPA in the winter quarter. A significant highlight was receiving the first place HERD scholarship from the SKC student senate in 2024, which recognized her academic excellence and commitment to scholarly pursuits. Beyond academic achievements, she was an active and engaged member of the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) student group. As a dedicated team member, she played a crucial role in representing SKC at the AIBL conference in Las Vegas, where their team won first place in the business plan competition. Additionally, she served as team leader for the SKC business bowl at the AIHEC championships, where their team advanced to the championships and took home second place twice.

Vanessa has engaged in various volunteer services, demonstrating a strong commitment to community outreach and support. Her involvement with the SKC food pantry and the local warming center has been particularly significant, despite the challenges of balancing these commitments with a demanding academic schedule. As a testament to her leadership skills, she was selected to spearhead SKC’s senior entrepreneurship project, focusing on community outreach. Their class initiative aimed to raise funds for the SKC food pantry, with an ambitious target of $5,000 to support students and staff in need. The class exceeded initial goal and raised over $7,400. This project showcased Vanessa’s ability to develop and implement effective business strategies for social causes.

Vanessa’s commitment to education extends beyond formal settings by offering free tutoring services to fellow students and employing various teaching methods to help them grasp challenging concepts. A particular passion of hers lies in volunteering time and culinary skills to support those in need. Vanessa has served as the head cook for various tribal functions and funerals, providing this service free of charge. Recognizing the emotional and financial strain that families experience during times of loss, Vanessa strives to alleviate their burden by ensuring that guests paying their respects are well-fed. These experiences have not only allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the community but have also honed her leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

While Vanessa’s initial aspiration was to pursue a career in education due to her affinity for working with children, she has since broadened her horizons to encompass the business world. This shift in focus led her to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, resulting in the successful establishment of two thriving businesses, Fat Baby Fry Bread and Apatura Beads.  Returning to higher education to pursue another bachelor’s degree was an unexpected but welcome decision. Vanessa recognizes that this additional qualification will significantly enhance her knowledge base and skillset, providing invaluable tools to further develop and expand her existing enterprises. Upon graduation, her primary objective is to apply the insights and expertise gained from her studies to strategically grow her businesses. She is confident that through diligence and perseverance, her entrepreneurial ventures will continue to flourish.

Vanessa’s daughter serves as her greatest source of inspiration and motivation in all aspects of life. Her presence continually encourages Vanessa to strive for personal growth and excellence. Despite facing obstacles associated with her clinical depression, her daughter’s support and the responsibility of being a role model for her provided Vanessa with the strength to overcome obstacles and maintain focus on her goals. This powerful motivator ensures that she remains proactive in her academic and professional endeavors, reinforcing her commitment to success and personal development.

Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Vanessa intends to pursue an MBA in American Indian entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University. This specialized program will equip her with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a substantial impact on her community. Vanessa’s passion for teaching, particularly in the realm of business and entrepreneurship, aligns perfectly with my long-term objective of fostering successful Native business leaders. Expanding her existing business post-graduation is another key goal. With a degree in business administration, she aims to support others in launching and growing their enterprises, contributing to the economic development of her tribe and community. Her vision includes creating a multipurpose workspace for students, children, and adults, where she can share her role as a cultural keeper. This space will serve as a platform to pass on traditional knowledge, including beading, language, sewing, cooking, gathering, and hide tanning techniques.