Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors Announces Marisa Miakonda Cummings as new President and CEO


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The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of our new president and CEO, Marisa Cummings. Marisa Cummings (Miakonda) is Umonhon and belongs to the Buffalo Tail Clan of the Sky people as well as the Walker and Springer families. She is a relative to many and is constantly re-learning language, seed keeping, food systems, and re-building relationships with human and non-human relatives.  

Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa and a certificate in American Indian/Native Studies and a minor in African American World Studies.  She recently earned her Masters in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Prior to accepting this appointment Marisa served as the Director of Native Student Services at the University of South Dakota.  She has also served as the Chief of Tribal Operations for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa.

Marisa has worked in higher education for over 15 years and is dedicated to indigenous models of governance, education, food systems, ceremonies, and sovereignty.  She studies and teaches knowledge rooted in matriarchy and advocates for dismantling systems of oppression that impact our Native communities, including resource extraction and personal violence.  Marisa has four children Lauren (MiXube) 27, Brianna (MiSabe) 21, Darius (MosePaTonga) 20, and Nia (Miakonda) 16. She lives with her youngest daughter, her partner Samuel Grant (LaMoot), and their Red Heeler, Mi'kae.

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“I am very excited that Marisa will be taking the role of President and CEO of MIWRC”, said Susan Allen, Co-chair of the Board of Directors. “In her new position, Marisa will be a welcome addition to MIWRC with her breadth of leadership experience, knowledge of programming, resources and services that our Native sisters (women) and children continue to benefit from, combined with her grounding in traditional values and practices.” Paulette Baukol, Board Co-chair added “We’re looking forward to supporting her and believe she will be an asset to the Minnesota Native Community as a whole.”

"I am both honored and humbled to be the next CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center.” Marisa shared. “The impact of the work done at MIWRC resonates throughout Indian Country and I look forward to working with the staff and community. I also am excited to develop a strong relationship with the board and to continue the legacy of service to our indigenous women and families.  I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for advocacy and healing through such a phenomenal organization." 

Marisa will start at MIWRC on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020.

For questions or for more information please contact Susan Allen at sallen@thejacobsonlawgroup.com or Paulette Baukol at pbaukol65@gmail.com


About MIWRC
 The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and educational services organization committed to the holistic growth and development of American Indian women and their families. Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower American Indian women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community.