Kellie Jewett-Fernandez

Kellie joined the AISES team in 2015 and serves as the Vice President of Business Development In her role, she works with corporate, federal, tribal, and foundation partners who invest in AISES by supporting events and programs. She enjoys developing new and innovative programs in STEM education for PK-12 students, programs that support students pursuing higher education, and engaging partners who have an interest in connecting with Indigenous STEM students and professionals.

As a staff liaison to AISES’ Corporate Advisory Council, Kellie works with industry leaders to evaluate workforce development needs, explore business trends, and identify the vast opportunities available to AISES and all of its constituents

Kellie is dedicated to this work and feels that her position at AISES allows her to pursue many of her passions including; working on behalf of Indigenous people, promoting education, enhancing the tribal workforce, supporting economic development, promoting tribal sovereignty, and increasing diversity in organizations and institutions throughout North America.

Kellie has over 20 years of experience working in the national Native non-profit sector managing programs and serving in various development roles at organizations including the Native American Rights Fund, American Indian College Fund, First Nations Oweesta, Cheyenne River Youth Project. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for Gonzaga Universities MBA – AIE Program.

Kellie received her BA in Communications from the University of Minnesota and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on American Indian Entrepreneurship from Gonzaga University.  She grew up on the Cheyenne River Lakota (Sioux) reservation but has lived in Colorado for many years with her husband, Paul, and near her daughter who is a student at Colorado State University. Kellie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and cheering on the Denver Broncos and Nuggets!