Oweesta Corporation: A Beacon of Hope for Native Communities
December 5, 2024, 10:29 am
In a world where economic disparity often casts a long shadow, Oweesta Corporation stands as a lighthouse. This women-led nonprofit has recently garnered the Gold Stevie Award for Nonprofit Organization of the Year, a testament to its unwavering commitment to empowering Native communities across the United States.
Founded in 1999, Oweesta serves as a vital bridge between traditional financial institutions and underserved Native areas. Its mission is clear: to foster sustainable growth and economic independence within Native communities. The organization operates as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) intermediary, channeling resources and expertise to enhance the financial landscape for Native peoples.
Oweesta’s impact is profound. It has funded over 4,350 Native businesses across 36 states, disbursing more than $826 million in loans. This is not just a number; it represents dreams realized, businesses launched, and families supported. Each loan is a seed planted in the fertile ground of potential, nurturing economic sovereignty and resilience.
The recent recognition at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business highlights Oweesta’s role in this journey. The award is not merely a trophy; it symbolizes the collective strength of Native communities striving for economic empowerment. Oweesta’s CEO, Chrystel Cornelius, emphasizes that this honor reflects the remarkable achievements of these communities. It is a celebration of their resilience and determination.
Oweesta's approach is multifaceted. It offers a suite of financial products and services tailored to the unique needs of Native CDFIs. Beyond lending, Oweesta provides technical assistance and training, equipping Native individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. This empowerment is crucial. It transforms communities from passive recipients of aid into active participants in their economic futures.
Since July 2022, Oweesta has launched several comprehensive training programs. The Native CDFI Practitioner Certification program is a cornerstone, covering all aspects of Native CDFI operations. This program is not just about theory; it’s about practical skills that drive real change. The Building Native Communities Curriculum, first published in 2001, has been updated to help Indigenous organizations establish robust financial education programs.
In 2024, Oweesta introduced specialized courses addressing specific community needs. These include Financial Coaching with Families Next Level and Trauma-Informed Financial Practitioner training. Each course is a response to the unique challenges faced by Native communities, ensuring that the solutions are relevant and impactful.
Oweesta’s financial prowess is evident in its growing capital base, which now exceeds $90 million in total assets. This financial strength allows Oweesta to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Recently, the organization secured $156.4 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its Solar for All initiative. This funding is a game-changer, enabling the organization to promote sustainable energy solutions in Native communities.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, where Oweesta was honored, is a prestigious platform recognizing the achievements of women across various sectors. This year, the awards received over 1,500 entries from organizations in 36 nations. The competition is fierce, but Oweesta’s dedication to its mission shines through. The award is a recognition of the hard work and commitment of the entire team, as well as the communities they serve.
The Stevie Awards are not just about accolades; they represent a broader movement towards recognizing and celebrating diversity in leadership. Women-led organizations like Oweesta are paving the way for future generations. They are breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, proving that with the right support, communities can thrive.
As Oweesta continues to grow, its vision remains steadfast. The organization aims to inspire future generations while amplifying its impact. By fostering economic independence and inclusion, Oweesta is not just changing lives; it is reshaping the narrative around Native communities.
In a landscape often marred by challenges, Oweesta Corporation stands tall. It is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward economic sovereignty for Native peoples. The Gold Stevie Award is a well-deserved recognition of its efforts, but it is just the beginning. With each loan disbursed, each training session conducted, and each community empowered, Oweesta is writing a new story—one of resilience, strength, and prosperity.
As we look to the future, the lessons from Oweesta are clear. Empowerment is not a one-time event; it is a continuous journey. It requires dedication, innovation, and a deep understanding of community needs. Oweesta embodies these principles, proving that when communities are equipped with the right tools, they can build a brighter future.
In the end, Oweesta Corporation is more than a nonprofit; it is a movement. A movement towards economic justice, sustainability, and empowerment. As it continues to navigate the waters of change, one thing is certain: the impact of Oweesta will resonate for generations to come.
Founded in 1999, Oweesta serves as a vital bridge between traditional financial institutions and underserved Native areas. Its mission is clear: to foster sustainable growth and economic independence within Native communities. The organization operates as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) intermediary, channeling resources and expertise to enhance the financial landscape for Native peoples.
Oweesta’s impact is profound. It has funded over 4,350 Native businesses across 36 states, disbursing more than $826 million in loans. This is not just a number; it represents dreams realized, businesses launched, and families supported. Each loan is a seed planted in the fertile ground of potential, nurturing economic sovereignty and resilience.
The recent recognition at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business highlights Oweesta’s role in this journey. The award is not merely a trophy; it symbolizes the collective strength of Native communities striving for economic empowerment. Oweesta’s CEO, Chrystel Cornelius, emphasizes that this honor reflects the remarkable achievements of these communities. It is a celebration of their resilience and determination.
Oweesta's approach is multifaceted. It offers a suite of financial products and services tailored to the unique needs of Native CDFIs. Beyond lending, Oweesta provides technical assistance and training, equipping Native individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. This empowerment is crucial. It transforms communities from passive recipients of aid into active participants in their economic futures.
Since July 2022, Oweesta has launched several comprehensive training programs. The Native CDFI Practitioner Certification program is a cornerstone, covering all aspects of Native CDFI operations. This program is not just about theory; it’s about practical skills that drive real change. The Building Native Communities Curriculum, first published in 2001, has been updated to help Indigenous organizations establish robust financial education programs.
In 2024, Oweesta introduced specialized courses addressing specific community needs. These include Financial Coaching with Families Next Level and Trauma-Informed Financial Practitioner training. Each course is a response to the unique challenges faced by Native communities, ensuring that the solutions are relevant and impactful.
Oweesta’s financial prowess is evident in its growing capital base, which now exceeds $90 million in total assets. This financial strength allows Oweesta to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Recently, the organization secured $156.4 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its Solar for All initiative. This funding is a game-changer, enabling the organization to promote sustainable energy solutions in Native communities.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, where Oweesta was honored, is a prestigious platform recognizing the achievements of women across various sectors. This year, the awards received over 1,500 entries from organizations in 36 nations. The competition is fierce, but Oweesta’s dedication to its mission shines through. The award is a recognition of the hard work and commitment of the entire team, as well as the communities they serve.
The Stevie Awards are not just about accolades; they represent a broader movement towards recognizing and celebrating diversity in leadership. Women-led organizations like Oweesta are paving the way for future generations. They are breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, proving that with the right support, communities can thrive.
As Oweesta continues to grow, its vision remains steadfast. The organization aims to inspire future generations while amplifying its impact. By fostering economic independence and inclusion, Oweesta is not just changing lives; it is reshaping the narrative around Native communities.
In a landscape often marred by challenges, Oweesta Corporation stands tall. It is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward economic sovereignty for Native peoples. The Gold Stevie Award is a well-deserved recognition of its efforts, but it is just the beginning. With each loan disbursed, each training session conducted, and each community empowered, Oweesta is writing a new story—one of resilience, strength, and prosperity.
As we look to the future, the lessons from Oweesta are clear. Empowerment is not a one-time event; it is a continuous journey. It requires dedication, innovation, and a deep understanding of community needs. Oweesta embodies these principles, proving that when communities are equipped with the right tools, they can build a brighter future.
In the end, Oweesta Corporation is more than a nonprofit; it is a movement. A movement towards economic justice, sustainability, and empowerment. As it continues to navigate the waters of change, one thing is certain: the impact of Oweesta will resonate for generations to come.