I've seen it happen in full force — students becoming leaders because of AISES. They're having more of an empowerment to be an Indigneous scientist, to be an Indigenous researcher. There's so much power in that.

AISES does an excellent job in mentoring our Native students — to see them as doctors, to see them as engineers, to see them as an astronaut!

AISES introduced me to a whole new world of Native professionals, role models and great networking opportunities. AISES has been invaluable to me in opening doors for graduate school, I received my M.S. in Civil Eng and M.A in Architecture at UCB. I’m very grateful for AISES being an inspiration to me throughout my academic and professional career. Over the years, my growth has developed as I giveback to AISES. AISES is an exceptional non-profit organization! I just received AISES highest award, 2023 Ely S. Parker award!

I can, with a high degree of confidence, state that I would likely not be where I am today in my career if it wasn't for AISES. I started attending the national conference when I was in high school, and it helped me get into college. I continued to attend the national conference as a college student, and it lead me into graduate school. I now work for a company that has been attending the AISES national conference even longer than I have been attending the conferences. Thank you AISES for helping to make me the professional I am today.

AISES is my family. These are my people. There are very few places where an American Indian Nerd feels welcome. When my parents, Stanley and Cecelia, were selected to be on the AISES Council of Elders, our family was forever linked to AISES. My parents have become grandparents, an aunt, an uncle, a brother, a sister... a relative to so many members. One of the most beautiful moments to witness was when my Dad told the audience "Who knew that nerds could be so beautiful?" He made us feel good, feel beautiful, and accepted.