Las Vegas, NV – On March 10–11, 2025, the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) Chapter at Navajo Technical University (NTU) achieved First Place in the Chapter of the Year – Tribal College category. This exciting accomplishment occurred during AIBL’s National Business and Leadership Student Conference at Caesars Palace.
The NTU AIBL Club comprised three advisors and five attending students. On the first day of the conference, two students, Constance Begayne and Cheyenne Woodie, participated in the Elevator Pitch Competition. The NTU AIBL advisors and students gained access to the conference through their AIBL registrations.
“Constance and I had the opportunity to volunteer for the conference. The students were able to network with other AIBL Chapters and connect with potential sponsors,” Kashayla noted.
On the second day of the AIBL Conference, the students competed in the Chapter of the Year competition. NTU AIBL President Constance Begayne, Student Senate Representative Cheyenne Woodie, and AIBL Member Shannon Smith (who filled in for NTU AIBL CFO Larris Enrico) presented their chapter’s accomplishments. Their presentation focused on community outreach, fundraising, and leadership initiatives over the past year. Each team had five minutes to present, followed by a five-minute Q&A session with the judges.
NTU AIBL highlighted several key points during their presentation:
– Recognition of Advisors and NTU Administration, staff, and faculty, including Advisor Douglas Capitan, Advisor Marla Rafael, and Co-Advisor Kashayla Smith.
– Acknowledgment of businesses supported by the advisors and students: Bizhbah (Owner: Douglas Capitan), Native Choices Catering (Owner: Constance Begayne), and Tso Family Healthcare (Owner: Denikka Tsosie).
– Leadership activities such as NTU Club Drives, a partnership with the Office of Dine Youth, and a Toy for Tots toy and book shipment organized in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps.
– Fundraising efforts, including NTU AIBL Sponsorship Letters and a Hot Cocoa and Coffee sale during the Crownpoint Night Parade.
During the Chapter of the Year presentation, NTU AIBL President Constance Begayne was honored to recognize Navajo Nation’s Madam Vice President, Richelle Montoya, and Miss Navajo Nation, Ranisha Begay, for their attendance.
Kashayla commented, “Overall, the students presented professionally and demonstrated a passion for their hard work over the past year.”
In the weeks before the conference, President Constance Begayne contacted the Navajo Nation’s President and Vice President offices, inviting them to attend the Chapter of the Year presentation.
The advisors and students were thrilled to attend the banquet and receive the Chapter of the Year Award trophy and a $1,000 check.
“On behalf of the NTU AIBL Club, I would like to thank our sponsors: Dyran Murphy Architects, Kelly and Associates, Navajo Nation Shopping Centers, Navajo Technical University, and the American Indian College Fund,” Kashayla concluded.
Congratulations to all who participated!
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Let’s build your future—this institution is dedicated to empowering you!
Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating people for the future.
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu
