Co-Authors of the American Indian Women Entrepreneurs’ Edition—Dr. Molly Tovar and Nicole Wheeler

Dr. Molly Tovar

Dr. Molly Tovar has held positions as the Gates Millennium Scholars: Director of GMS Leadership Programs & Scholar Relations, Chief Operating Officer of the American Indian Graduate Center, and served in various administrative positions both at OSU and OUHSC. Dr. Tovar's nationally recognized expertise in strategies for ensuring the success of underrepresented students in undergraduate and graduate education has garnered her positions on committees such as the Council of Graduate Schools Advisory Committee on Minorities (Washington D.C), Council of Southern Graduate School in Graduate Education, and the ACT Policy Research Advisement Committee. Her dedication to the advancement of minorities in education has also earned her numerous awards including the Outstanding Oklahoma Native American Leadership Award, Holmes Scholar, and National Hispanic Scholar. She was selected as a fellow of the prestigious International Women's Forum and was awarded the UNCF/GATES Team Award. One of her passions is working with the Indigenous women in the tropical villages of Panama.

Nicole Wheeler

Nicole Wheeler worked as the Community Liaison & Communications Coordinator at Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was charged with building relationships with organizations and coordinating public education outreach.

Ms. Wheeler studied Communication at Cornell University where she served as the Chairperson of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, treasurer for Native American Students at Cornell, was an active member of the Hawai’i Club, and varsity softball team.

Ms. Wheeler’s work and research has lead to extensive travel throughout Latin America and Polynesia. Her research and professional experiences include: The Advancement of Maori Opportunity, Hamilton, New Zealand; Center for Disability Studies at University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu Hawaii; and the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation/Cornell University, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Additionally, Ms. Wheeler works with Indigenous women of Panama on health issues. She has presented at national, state and local events, such University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s New Directions in American Indian Research and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Annual National Conference. She is published in numerous journals, newspapers, and magazines.

Ms. Wheeler has worked at non-profits and Universities for the past six years aiding in student services, curriculum development and leadership. She is currently a consultant focusing on developing leadership skills in academic and corporate communications. Additionally, she serves on an advisory council for the Albuquerque Academy, is involved in animal rescue, volunteers for political campaigns and is a member of the Native American Caucus.

	Dr. Molly Tovar Co-founder and Owner Tovar & Wheeler Consulting, LLC
	Nicole Wheeler Co-Founder and Owner Tovar & Wheeler Consulting, LLC
	Crucita Melchor Owner Pottery by Melchors
	Ellie and Elvira Hesse Owners Fabric Works in the Pines, LLC.
	Erin Merryweather Chick-in-Charge The Girlie Show LLC
	Rulan Tangen Founding Artistic Director and Choreographer DANCING EARTH www.dancingearth.org
	Andrea Northcutt Miller Doula Sacred Time Doula Service
	Margo Gray-Proctor President Horizon Engineering Services Co.
	Larylyn Riverwind CEO Native Touch
	Jeri Redcorn Owner Redcorn Pottery
	A. Kay Oxendine Publisher/Owner/Editor 360 View Newspaper
	Jo Ann Rackliff Richmond Owner The Potters Inn
	Tonya June Rafael Navajo Silversmith
	Monica Simeon CEO & Principal Partner Sister Sky
	Bon Liesener and Jan Pruner Owners Ohana Artisans
	Deanna Wohlgemuth Rock On Jewelry Design Citizen of the Cherokee Nation
	Pauline Echo-Hawk Owner Echo-Hawk Indian Trading Company
	Maggie George Co-Owner Indigenous Research Associates
	Eva Hoeft Owner Cozy Quilts
	Sherry Echo Hawk Taluc Owner Sherry's Shawls
	Tina Sparks Speaker Owner Sewing 4 the People