AISES is pleased to announce the newest members of the organization’s Board of Directors. We are excited to welcome Mike Laverdure (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Fawn Sanchez (Shoshone-Bannock), and Lillian Sparks Robinson (Rosebud Sioux) as incoming members of the 2025–2028 board.
Mike Laverdure joins the AISES Board of Directors with a wealth of experience in architecture and a deep commitment to promoting STEM careers among Indigenous youth. A registered architect and partner at DSGW Architects, Mike has been actively involved with AISES since high school and is a Sequoyah Fellow. He previously served on the Board from 2016 to 2022, including a term as chair. His recent initiative, the Indigenous Design Camp, exemplifies his dedication to inspiring young people by providing hands-on learning opportunities in architecture and design.
Fawn Sanchez, a committed supporter of Indigenous representation in STEM, is currently a project manager at Tribal Tech, LLC. She brings expertise spearheading diversity and inclusion efforts, having served as the head of Amazon’s Indigenous Peoples ERG. Fawn is dedicated to mentoring and strengthening Native students through culturally appropriate programming. Her military service background will also enhance her contributions to the Board.
Lillian Sparks Robinson joins the AISES Board of Directors with more than 20 years of experience advocating for Indigenous students and tribal communities and serving in leadership positions in various national organizations. She has a track record of success in organizational development and policy as the CEO and founder of Wopila Consulting, and her background includes being appointed by President Barack Obama as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans, an office of the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The all-volunteer AISES Board of Directors provides essential strategic direction, policy establishment, budget approval, and financial oversight for the organization. Each member brings considerable experience and a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous people in STEM fields and promoting workforce development for Indigenous communities.
The newly elected Board members will begin serving a three-year term at the close of the December Board meeting. Outgoing Board members were honored at the closing ceremony at the 2024 AISES National Conference, held in San Antonio October 3–5. AISES extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gary Burnette (Cheroenhaka) and Jonathan Clark (San Carlos Apache) for their leadership and years of dedicated service on the Board. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to their continued support.
We would like to thank our members for their participation in this year’s Board of Directors election. Your vote is important in guiding the direction of our organization for generations to come. For a complete list of Board members, visit https://aises.org/board-of-directors/