Sign In
Get Clay Free →

Suggestions

    Vicki Vasques

    Owner & CEO, Tribal Tech LLC and Cowan & Associates

    Professional Background

    Victoria Vasques is a distinguished leader in the realm of technical consulting and advocacy for American Indian issues. She is the Owner and CEO of Tribal Tech, LLC, and Cowan & Associates, two American Indian woman-owned small businesses that provide crucial technical assistance and consulting management services to a diverse array of clients, including federal, state, tribal, and corporate entities. With over 30 years of professional experience, Ms. Vasques has established herself as a key figure in education reform and advancing energy initiatives that significantly benefit Native American communities.

    Her extensive career in public service has been characterized by a variety of significant roles in the federal government. Most notably, she served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. In this critical position, she was the primary point of contact within the federal government for addressing the educational needs and reform initiatives concerning Indian education across the nation. Ms. Vasques also held the position of Director of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she focused on the vital intersection of energy and Indigenous communities.

    In addition, her impressive resume includes serving as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, where she championed the cause of higher education accessibility for American Indians. Her commitment to education also led her to work as an education program specialist in the Office of Indian Education, where she contributed her expertise to broader educational policies. Furthermore, she played an essential role in various presidential commissions, including the President's Commission on Indian Reservation Economics and the President's Commission on the HIV Epidemic, where her insights helped to shape policies affecting Indian communities across the United States.

    Outside of her federal work, Ms. Vasques's influence extends to the National Congress of American Indians, where she served as a technical assistant specialist, and she also acted as tribal liaison for The Committee for the 50th Presidential Inaugural. Her well-rounded experience underscores a life devoted to public service and advocacy for American Indian rights and interests.

    Education and Achievements

    Victoria Vasques's educational foundation has been instrumental in her success. She studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services at California State University, Fullerton, and complemented her education with teaching credentials in Elementary and Secondary Education from the University of California, Irvine. This strong academic background has equipped her with the tools to advocate effectively for educational reforms and initiatives for Native American communities.

    As a recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ms. Vasques has been honored with numerous awards throughout her impressive career. She was the recipient of the distinguished NCAIED Native Woman Business Owner of the Year Award and was celebrated as the SBA Small Businessperson of the Year. Additionally, her enterprise, Tribal Tech, LLC, has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for six consecutive years, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her sustained growth as a business leader.

    Victoria Vasques’s dedication to advancing the interests of American Indians has not gone unnoticed, as she has also been named American Indian Woman of the Year. She received the California State University at Fullerton Distinguished Alumni Award, highlighting her impact on her alma mater and the community around her.

    Continuing her commitment to giving back, Ms. Vasques actively collaborates with national and local non-profit organizations dedicated to a range of causes, including literacy promotion, healthcare, child safety, after-school programs, and educational advancement. Her ongoing efforts demonstrate a passion for ensuring that all individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to essential resources and support systems.

    Achievements

    • Owner & CEO of Tribal Tech, LLC and Cowan & Associates, specializing in technical assistance and consulting management services.
    • Formerly served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education, championing educational reform for American Indian students.
    • Former Director of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she worked on key energy initiatives affecting tribal communities.
    • Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, advocating for Indigenous higher education.
    • Recipient of numerous awards, including the NCAIED Native Woman Business Owner of the Year Award and SBA Small Businessperson of the Year.
    • Honored with the California State University at Fullerton Distinguished Alumni Award for her contributions and impact within the community.
    • Recognition on the Inc. 5000 list for six consecutive years underscoring her business's growth and success.

    In conclusion, Victoria Vasques is a remarkable figure whose commitment to public service, coupled with her entrepreneurial expertise, has made significant strides in advocacy for American Indians and education reform. Her dedication, experience, and passion for the underserved continue to inspire many, as she forges paths toward a better tomorrow for her community and beyond.

    Related Questions

    How did Victoria Vasques develop her interest in serving American Indian communities?
    In what ways has Victoria Vasques influenced education reform for Native American students during her tenure at the U.S. Department of Education?
    What are some of the most significant challenges Victoria Vasques has faced in her career and how did she overcome them?
    How has Vicki Vasques's leadership in Tribal Tech, LLC contributed to the economic development of American Indian businesses?
    What initiatives has Victoria Vasques been involved in to promote literacy and child safety in Native American communities?
    Vicki Vasques
    Add to my network

    Location

    Alexandria, Virginia, United States