Sam Low stands in awe of his ancestors — and he isn’t alone. “They possessed ships that were capable of traveling the world,” says Low, an anthropologist, filmmaker, photographer, and lifelong sailor.

The busy North Star AISES Alliance and Professional Chapter (NSAAP) has a big reach, representing professional members all over the Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Nebraska, and Illinois), as well as the province of Manitoba in Canada. The chapter is a leader in promoting the AISES mission and supporting STEM in Native communities throughout Region 5. In addition to having fun, members find a lot of satisfaction in what they achieve together.

Don’t miss all the 2018 gathering in Oklahoma City has to offer

Define your unique value proposition and market yourself in a digital world

A map can speak many languages, reach many audiences — and significantly support the stewardship of natural resources. Where geospatial data is needed, geographic information systems (GIS) are an important tool for building maps that locate information related to flora and fauna, cultural preservation, and recreation, among other applications. 

A genuine investment in corporate social responsibility means everybody wins

Growing up surrounded by his family and immersed in culture provided a firm foundation for Jeffrey Davis. “My driving factor is words of wisdom from my grandparents William ‘Buster’ Davis and Martha Davis,” says Davis, Tlingit. “They told me early on that I should always do any job to the best of my ability because my success and hard work are a reflection of me, my family, my community, and my culture.”

Adonis Martinez spent his childhood at the foot of the Black Hills in Rapid City, S.D. He was raised by his grandparents and great-grandparents in a family that has emphasized education for generations. His great-grandmother and grandmother both attended college, encouraged by their families. Growing up, Martinez was told, “You either go to school or you work. There is no in-between.”

There are many good reasons why one hundred Phoenix-based AISES members are active participants in the city’s Professional Chapter. For many, the most important is the opportunity to make a difference for Natives in STEM. Chapter members mentor individual students and offer guidance to the College Chapters at Arizona State, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

Master a few simple rules, and you’ll ace this mealtime meeting