Meet The Native Women Launch Team

Karen is the Director of Program Integration at Accelerate Montana. Karen brings over 20 years of experience in learning, leadership development, workforce development, community and economic development, project and program management, and change leadership to her role at AMT. In her spare time, she serves as a Director, Board of Directors, for the Project Management Institute's Educational Foundation and teaches project management and leadership development. When she is not working for Accelerate, you will most likely find her outside, enjoying the outdoors.

Mariah was born and grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. She is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana and the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing from the University of Montana, where she also graduated a University Scholar from the Davidson Honors College. During her time at the University of Montana, Mariah was involved in Kyiyo Native American Student Association. As a member, she promoted the traditions and customs of Indigenous people and supported cultural diversity on campus. As a student, she interned with Accelerate MT as a Project Support Intern.

Based out of SouthEast Montana Gerlinda lives in Crow Agency, MT. She is the Indigenous Outreach Coordinator for four tribes in Montana: Apsaalooke, Northern Cheyenne, Rocky Boy, Fort Peck. I have been teaching at a local TCU for last ten years in the science department. I enjoy learning new things.

Crystal Little Owl is an enrolled member of the Aaniiih, otherwise known as the Gros Ventre. Fort Belknap Indian Community is her homeland, but she currently resides in Polson, MT. Crystal is the Indigenous Outreach Coordinator for the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, Pend d'Oreille, Blackfeet, Whiteclay, Assiniboine, and Little Shell Tribal Nations. She enjoys dancing at pow-wows, hiking, and snowboarding.

Ticia is based out of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation/Harlem area. She is the Rapid Training Learning and Career Coordinator. She will be an assistant trainee to find the best Accelerate course that is right for them.