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ABOUT US - staff
History, Mission, & Values | Icahya Woecun | Staff | Board | US Treasury Certified CDFI | Employment
Tanya Fiddler is the executive director of Four Bands Community Fund, a Native community development financial institution (CDFI) focused on entrepreneurship and financial literacy development on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation located in north central South Dakota. Ms. Fiddler, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has served as the executive director of Four Bands since 2002 and has built the organization from the start up phase into a successful, innovative, and award-winning organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and has 15 years of experience working with Native organizations. Ms. Fiddler is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the 2008 Bureau of Indian Affairs "Entrepreneur Advocate of the Year," the 2007 Small Business Administration "Minority Small Business Champion for South Dakota and Region VIII," and the 2007 "Visionary Leader Award for Outstanding Achievement" in recognition of her impact in the CDFI field. She received a Fellowship in the Aspen Institute's Ideas Festival in 2008 and has been an active voice in Native community and economic development. In addition to her role at Four Bands, Tanya is also the Co-Chair for the Native CDFI Network. The Native CDFI Network is a membership network that was established to create opportunities for Native CDFI peer-to-peer learning and to identify Native CDFI policy priorities. She is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator at regional and national conferences and is a board member of the South Dakota Indian Business Alliance, Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial, and Corporation for Enterprise Development.
Lakota Mowrer is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, she joined Teach for America and taught on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation at Todd County High School. In May 2011, Lakota obtained her Masters in Social Work (MSW) Degree from Washington University in St. Louis with the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies. Lakota individualized her course of study to concentrate in economic security and social development through the life course of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Further, Lakota was co-chair of the 2010 and 2011 Washington University in St. Louis Pow Wows. In addition to her educational experience, Lakota has completed a summer fellowship with National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). She has served on the Native American Alumni Board of Directors at the University of Notre Dame as the Student Relations Coordinator. Lakota initiated program evaluations at the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management and Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) to analyze and develop program components for American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian participants.
Danny Butcher is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and was born and raised in the community of LaPlant, South Dakota. He graduated Tiospaye Topa High School and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In addition, Danny is the owner of Rez Kid Studios, a graphic design and tattoo business and has a passion for business development. He was recently a finalist in the 2011 Governor's Giant Vision Business Plan competition. As the community business success coach, Danny will use his entrepreneurial experience to support Four Bands' clients in all facets of developing their businesses.
Cora Mae Haskell is the business and finance trainer at Four Bands. She was born and raised on a farm on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and is married to a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Cora Mae joined Four Bands in June 2003. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and Curriculum and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from Black Hills State University. Cora Mae was Dean of Academics at the former Si Tanka/Huron University and has more than 20 years of teaching experience on the Reservation. While at Four Bands, Cora Mae has conducted business development and financial literacy workshops attended by more than 600 people, and she was instrumental in establishing Four Bands' Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Cora Mae has attended courses and national conferences on creating financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for youths in economically disadvantaged communities. Cora Mae was named the 2008 Outstanding Entrepreneurship Educator by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education; the recognition is given to an entrepreneurship educator who provides outstanding service to the field of entrepreneurship. She is a certified trainer for Fannie Mae/First Nation's Financial Skillbuilding for Families coursework, has served as a co-chair for the Native Financial Education Coalition, and is a former board member for the Eagle Butte District 20-1 school system.
Sherlynn is the loan fund and financial literacy specialist at Four Bands. She joined the organization in September 2009. Sherlynn is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She has an associate degree in administrative systems and is pursuing her bachelor's degree in business. Prior to joining Four Bands, Sherlynn worked as coordinator for Reclaiming the Sacred Trust, a program of Cheyenne River Tribal Health, office manager for Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Property and Supply, and administrative assistant for Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Child Care Center. Sherlynn assists the program and lending director with day-to-day activities associated with maintaining the revolving loan fund.
Darla is the finance and administrative officer at Four Bands. She is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and was born and raised on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Darla joined Four Bands in June 2006. She has an Associate's Degree in both Business and Computer Information from Sisseton Wahpeton Community College. Before coming to Four Bands, Darla worked for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe for 12 years serving as the payroll director, office manager, and business technician. In 2005, Darla was the Employee of the Year for the Tribe. While at Four Bands, Darla has supported annual audits, performed financial and administrative functions, and managed savings accounts for participants in the organization's Individual Development Account (IDA) program.
Mark is the business success coach at Four Bands. Mark was born and raised on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and is married to a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Mark joined Four Bands in October 2002 and served as the enterprise manager. He then began providing technical assistance to businesses and. has helped support more than 100 business owners. Prior to joining Four Bands, Mark was the assistant manager of the Tribe's grocery store. He was instrumental in annually doubling the store's net profits. Mark serves on the board of directors for Oti-Kaga, a nonprofit housing organization.
Brittany is the loan officer at Four Bands. She is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Brittany joined Four Bands in January 2010. Her primary responsibility is to manage Four Bands' revolving loan fund program that provides loan capital to support private business development. Brittany has served as the business manager for the Cheyenne River Health Care Corporation. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Black Hills State University.
Kristen Spiel is the youth program coordinator at Four Bands. In this role she is responsible for coordinating the youth entrepreneur internship program and the Making Waves program in the five reservation schools. A native to the area, she grew up on a buffalo ranch near Red Scaffold, South Dakota, and graduated from Faith High School. Kristen holds an Agriculture Business Degree from Western Dakota Tech and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Black Hills State University. In addition, she graduated from Western Dakota Tech in 2007 with an Agricultural Business Degree. Prior to coming on board at Four Bands, Kristen worked at Premier Bankcard for over five years. |
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