Kyler McGillis

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.

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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.