Mitchelene BigMan is a volitional veteran conscript, advocate, CEO, and founder of Native American Women Warriors (NAWW); a veterans organization in place to bring insight, resources, advocacy, and education to Native women veterans that have served in our military armed forces. Having faced opposition in the forms of racism, sexism, Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) herself, Mitchelene felt mandated to be a trusted voice for those coming before and after her.
Her mantra is simple: Mitchelene is on a mission to bring recognition to women veterans of Native descent that have served in our military armed forces. Her vision is to assist women veterans with employment, education, and health, to become stronger in mind, body, and spirit.”
Though tradition stands at the center of all she does, Mitchelene BigMan couples its denotation with a profound respect for education, achievement, and communal leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Phoenix.
In 2012, Mitchelene BigMan received a Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) award for outstanding efforts achieved through her Native American Women Warriors program. This honor not only allotted her non-profit as the first all-female Native American color guard but in 2014, Mitchelene received the White House Champion of Change Recipient award, proving the validity of her cause to be, at best, prolific. From raising her right hand in the military in 1987 to her retirement in April of 2009, Mitchelene BigMan has displayed the candor of a hero, exemplifying a voice for women and becoming an outreach to those in need. Through her facilitation, she has become a great hope for many veterans and a blessing to the Apsaalooke Nation.
When Mitchelene is not out encouraging and advocating for women's lives worldwide, she remains an asset to her local community and a loving member of her family and friendship circles.
Mitchelene BigMan, Leader. Innovator. Advocate.
Mitchelene Bigman, Founder
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Mitchelene Francis BigMan
Treasure/Founder
Army Veteran
mitchelene@nawwassociation.com
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Keshon Smith
President
Army Veteran
keshon@nawwassociation.com
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Takara Hansell
Vice President
Air Force Veteran
takara@nawwassociation.com
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Natalie Holt Breen
Information Technology Specialist
Development Coordinator
natalieholtbreen@nawwassociation.com
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Dorthy Renee Gaines
Secretary
Indigenous Strong
By Mitchelene BigMan
I am a Native American Woman of distinction
Displaying myself with great gratification
An individual that follows the paths of my people and traditions
Proud to be called a Warrior facing hardships and complications
I am not defined by a classified identity
But prove my worth with dignity
My journey of life has had many trials of acceptance of many different levels
But overcoming them has given me the skills to take on society’s many quarrels
I am not powerless by those who choose ignorance towards me and my kind
I am bred with a warrior spirit that overcomes time after time
History has proven how my people have been wronged
But continue to prove to them I am Indigenous Strong