

Kyler McGillis
Founder | Executive Director
Phone:
(701) 389-7881
Email:
Address:
PO Box 348, Saint John, ND, 58369
Favorite Hobby:
Golfing
A Bit About Me
Boozhoo! My name is Kyler McGillis and I am a tribal citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. I am the Founder of AIRO and currently serve as the Executive Director. My Traditional name is Inabiwin Nigig (Lightning Otter) and I am affiliated with the Turtle Clan.
Professional Journey
Currently, I am attending the Johns Hopkins Carey Business Schools' Leadership Development Program. In Spring of 2022, I graduated from the University of Jamestown with a degree in Business Administration - Concentration in Marketing & Management. I have had the opportunities to intern for four great companies listed at the bottom of this page. Throughout my experiences with these internships, I learned many key lessons in business. During my time at the University of Jamestown - I received the ‘Knight Award’. This is a highly prestigious award given to a student who is passionate about becoming a UJ graduate, has been deeply engaged in co-curricular experiences and has demonstrated perseverance throughout their journey. Following that, I was also awarded the ‘William J. Klaudt Award’, which is for Overall Outstanding Achievement in the department of business, accounting, and economics at the University of Jamestown.
Why AIRO
My passion is helping the lives of my fellow Native American people. Starting this nonprofit organization was not an easy task - yet, I always kept consistent because I knew the good it could bring. Through the many hours of paperwork, the frustrating process of creating the website, calling the IRS who leaves me on hold for hours - it is worth it. It is worth it because I know many of our Indigenous people have the potential to do amazing things. All it takes is a little bit of resources, support, and/or funding. I founded AIRO to serve as a resource for Indigenous students on their path to higher-level education. The key to prosperity starts with an education - even if it is done in small steps. It is time to make a change - it is time for a movement, the AIRO Movement.
Work Experience
November 2021 - January 2022
September 2021 - January 2022
May 2021 - September 2021
Started as a Marketing & Communications Intern at Agency MABU in Bismarck, ND
Started as a Marketing intern at Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center (JREC) in Jamestown, ND
Started as a Sales & Marketing intern at Carrot Health in Minneapolis, MN
May 2021 - May 2022
Started as a Data & Marketing intern at RHR Swag in Jamestown, ND
