Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Discover the inspiring contributions of Native American women and learn about Thunderbird’s DreamCatcher program, which empowers Native women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Tuesday, November 19th | 5:30 - 7: 30 pm
Thunderbird School of Global Management | The Pub at Thunderbird
401 N. 1st St. | Phoenix, AZ 85004
$5 Students | $10 WWC Members | $15 Non-members
Registration includes an appetizer buffet and iced tea. Guests can purchase alcohol at own cost.
Students & WWC members, don’t forget to use your discount code!
About the Event
Join the Worldly Women Collective for an engaging evening at Thunderbird School of Global Management as we gather to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and the incredible contributions of Native American women. This event will introduce Thunderbird’s DreamCatcher program, which empowers Native women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and global community building. The evening will feature networking opportunities and a keynote speaker or panel of Native American descent from Arizona State University, who will share insights on leadership, culture, and women and empowerment.
Featured Speakers to be Announced Soon!
About Project DreamCatcher
Project DreamCatcher is a business development program offered at no cost to Native American women entrepreneurs from the Hualapai, Tohono O'odham, San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache, and Navajo tribes. The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation created Project DreamCatcher in partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management to build the capacity of women business owners from Arizona tribes.
Agenda
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Check-in & Networking
6:00 PM - 6:05 PM: Welcome Remarks
6:05 PM - 6:15 PM: Overview of Thunderbird’s DreamCatcher Program
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM: Special Panel Presentation: Native American Women in Leadership
6:45 PM - 7:00 PM: Q&A Session
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Networking & Closing
Event Moderator
Dr. Mary Sully de Luque
Full Professor; Barrett Honors College Faculty; ASU Senior Global Futures Scientist
Dr. Sully de Luque is a Professor of Global Management, Leadership, and Sustainability, and also serves as a Global Futures Scientist at the Thunderbird School at Arizona State University. Her research expertise centers on how culture influences leadership, corporate social performance, sustainability, and stakeholder decision-making and feedback processes. Driven by her strong desire to assist in developing businesses, she serves as academic director for several women entrepreneurship programs, including Project DreamCatcher. Preceding Thunderbird, Mary spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She worked as an aide for two US Senators before finishing her education. This experience was very formative for her later interest in creating, developing, and working within business systems for the betterment of societies. She serves on several non-profit boards, is actively publishing in her academic field, and gives presentations globally and here at home.
Featured Panelists
Gloria Alvarez Gomez
Member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council
Gloria Alvarez Gomez, MSW, is a passionate social worker, entrepreneur, and member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council. A graduate of Arizona State University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Project DreamCatcher Program, Gloria brings over 15 years of experience in social work, behavioral health, and community advocacy.
In her role on the Tribal Council, she is committed to preserving Yaqui cultural heritage, enhancing community infrastructure, and advancing holistic social services that honor Yaqui values. Gloria also operates Estilo Alvarez Catering, a successful small business on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation known for its award-winning tamales and Mexican-Yaqui fusion dishes, providing employment for eight community members.
Dedicated to her community, Gloria actively volunteers at events that promote youth sports, education, and cultural traditions. Through her work and service, she fosters connection, resilience, and pride in Yaqui identity, ensuring a strong cultural legacy for future generations.
Candace Hamana
Director of Tribal Relations at Arizona State University
Candace Hamana is an accomplished communications and public relations professional with over fifteen years of experience, including twelve years dedicated to serving Indian Country. As the Director of Tribal Relations at Arizona State University, Candace leads initiatives that honor and elevate Indigenous voices, fostering partnerships and shaping policies that align with ASU's commitment to inclusivity and respect for tribal communities. An entrepreneur at heart, Candace is also the founder of Badger PR, a boutique public relations agency devoted to championing hyper-local, diverse, and brave communities. Through Badger PR, she provides strategic communications and amplifies the stories of underrepresented voices, particularly within Indigenous communities. Candace’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Tribal Liaison at the Arizona Commerce Authority, where she worked to expand broadband access and promote digital equity in tribal areas, and as a Public Affairs Specialist with the Indian Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led culturally sensitive health campaigns for Indigenous communities. Her background also spans work in South Carolina politics, where she managed campaigns and served as Communications Director for the House Democratic Caucus.
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