Be Valuable and Success Will Come Naturally

Talk about the journey that led you to NMU?

I enrolled at NMU after spending four years at Finlandia University where I earned an Associates Degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program and played on the women’s basketball team. I had a great interest in exercise and disease prevention and wanted to continue my undergraduate career. NMU’s Health and Human Performance offerings were the perfect fit. I graduated with a degree in Sports Science in 2009 and then later on went to get my masters in Exercise Science in 2015. Throughout my time at NMU I spent time as an assistant with the women’s basketball team from 2007 to 2010. 

Provide a brief description of what you do.

I oversee the tribal government operations for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. This includes leading departments that range from a police department, health and dental clinic, marketing, and everything in between. We currently employ 300 people throughout Baraga County with 70% of that being native American or tribal descent. I am responsible for meeting the mission and vision of the community, managing the budget, strategic planning, and creating feasible and lasting partnerships for the tribe. 

How did you decide to go into this profession?

KBIC is who I am. I am proud of my community and where I come from so being able to lead others to make it a better place is a dream come true. Growing up on the reservation, I was surrounded by tribal leaders with the common goal of living sovereign and gaining self-sufficiency. 

I continued my education at Michigan State University and received another masters in Management, Strategy, and Leadership. This experience gave me the mindset to understand organizations better and how they “should” be run. It gave me insight into understanding employees, conflicts, negotiations, and decision making on another level. 

Did you know this is where your path would take you?

I feel I am a visionary leader with a servant mindset so it just made sense to take the leap and see what I can do for my community. I always knew I would be back to the reservation in some way shape or form but when it came so soon, I was a little surprised. There have been some growing pains of course but ultimately, I readily prepared myself through my educational and working experiences to allow for the most growth and potential. Northern has impacted this so much. The University setting really helped with creating relationships outside of my community, understanding how to interact with different kinds of people, and accomplishing goals.  

What’s next for you? Professional or personally.

Right now, professionally, I am staying focused on my vision for my community and the way I want to lead. I want to become a more influential leader and provide, visually, a person that our youth can look up to for years to come. Representation matters so much so utilizing my platform and putting myself out there is something I must keep doing. 

Personally, I recently got back into running so I am planning on a couple of races this upcoming summer. It’s a great stress relief for me 😊 

How did you feel supported during your time at NMU? Were there any experiences, programs, and/or organizations that stuck out to you? 

Professors were always super supportive, very responsive and would take the time to meet if I had questions or needed more practice in a lab or on a certain topic. I felt taking the initiative to meet each of my professors by introducing myself, letting them know where I may need the most help or if I was enjoying the class, was always helpful in creating that relationship needed for success. I continue to tell students and student-athletes that who are looking for a step ahead in the class room – TALK to your professors!

Women from NMU or in your life that have stuck out to you as mentors?

My mother, Carole LaPointe, has been a life-long mentor as well as my twin sister, Cheryne Clements (NMU ’09). These two women, without question, have helped guide me to where I am today. They are my sounding boards, the ones to tell me no, and the ones to lean on in times of need. 

And then all the women in leadership roles, locally and nationally. It takes a lot to just approach that “seat at the table” and being able to observe and work with many of these individuals (on the local level) has been inspiring and motivating to continue the work I do and want to do. 

Any advice to students?

The goal in life is NOT to be successful. The goal is to be valuable. Once you’re valuable – instead of chasing success – it will attract itself to you. Know your role and find ways to contribute to the advancement of your goals. Wake up each day and focus on how to add value – value to your family, neighbors, community, and ultimately the world.

Other personal information:

Currently reside in Baraga with my wife, Mariah, and we are currently in the process of adopting a 5-year old girl! Additionally, I coach middle school girls basketball in the fall and winter months and I have a dog, stella, and two cats, piper and aspen.