The University of Minnesota Morris American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) chapter was named Chapter of the Year for a second straight year during the National Business & Leadership Student Conference, held March 23-24 in Las Vegas.
This is only the second year for the UMN Morris AIBL chapter, having received their charter in June of 2024.
The chapter members who attended the conference include Kenyon Ponce, ’26, Kuna, ID; Giselle Gourd ’26, Devils Lake, ND; Nani Mahkuk-Guaman, ’27, Minneapolis; Hunter Overland, ’26, Moose Lake; Jacob Kehler, ’27, Madison Lake; Jacob Isiah Rodriguez, ’27, Alvarado; and Florence Romero, ’28, Pierre, SD. Co-advisors for the chapter are Native American and Indigenous Studies Professor Kevin Whalen and Associate Director of Admissions TseChi "Chad" Yen.
AIBL’s National Business & Leadership Student Conference is designed to give Indigenous students and professionals access to relevant business information and expertise, offering a variety of activities geared specifically to enhance and expand educational experiences beyond what is taught through traditional academic methods. During the conference, students compete for prizes in business plans, community projects, and elevator pitches. They are offered leadership roles to gain valuable presentation, organizational, and project management skills and experience.
In addition to the Chapter of the Year honors, the Morris team garnered second place in the Business Plan competition. The competition is intended to provide an educational experience for students as they learn the process of creating and presenting a business plan. Each business plan is created through the efforts of all participating students with the guidance of business mentors and is presented as a team.
Individually, Ponce was selected as student keynote speaker, delivering a powerful address at the awards banquet on the profound personal impact of AIBL and UMN Morris. Mahkuk-Guaman was chosen as social media manager for day two, producing content and sharing conference highlights on behalf of the AIBL National Office. Additionally, Mahkuk-Guaman and Romero competed in the co-chapter competition—each paired with students from four other institutions—where Mahkuk-Guaman's team prevailed and earned a share of the $1,000 prize.
About AIBL
AIBL is the only American Indigenous nonprofit organization solely dedicated to empowering business students in the United States. The programs are designed to engage students in activities that stimulate, enhance, and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods. All students are encouraged to participate in AIBL, regardless of race, academic major, or career objectives.