04/30/2026
Please join us in congratulating the Walker River Paiute Economic Development Emerging Business Leaders for receiving NAFOA's Education Program of the Year Award at the 44th Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada.
We are proud to recognize the incredible work of our Emerging Business Leaders, a group created to bridge the gap between today’s leadership and the next generation. These young leaders are helping carry forward our responsibility to plan for the next seven generations.
Through their commitment and vision, they have governed themselves with purpose, establishing bylaws, creating policies to ensure continuity, and actively participating in WRPEDA Board and Tribal Council meetings. They’ve shared meaningful input on community development and economic initiatives, attended community events, and stayed engaged with the people they serve.
Their impact is already visible. They developed and hosted a financial literacy workshop, gathered community feedback through surveys, and established a strategic plan based on those needs. They secured $30,000 for cultural historical monument to uplift our heritage and values, and $25,000 for shade structures for the Walker River Paiute Tribe, projects that reflect both cultural pride and community care.
Along the way, they’ve gained valuable experience in governance, strengthened their leadership skills, and built relationships with partners, organizations, and professionals, all in service of advancing our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped shape these leaders, family members, friends, mentors, role models, tribal leadership, and the community. Your guidance and support continue to make a lasting impact.
Pictured: EBL Board Chairman, Sydney Williams, EBL Vice Chairman Will Ow-Wing, EBL Treasurer Madison Roberts, EBL Member, Devin Mullins, EBL Member, Javier Venegas, (missing EBL Leaders Memphis Summerfield and Rayanna Williams) WRPT Chairman McFalls, WRPT Vice Chairman Miranda Quintero, WRPT Treasurer Genia Williams, WRPEDA Chairman Troland Clay, WRPEDA Secretary Xavier Barraza, WRPEDA Vice Chairman, John Oceguera, WRPEDA Treasurer Daphne Hooper, WRPEDA Member Brian Wadsworth, WRPEDA CEO, Joel Korotkin, WRPEDA EBL Advisors Sara Twiss and Andrea Martinez, EBL Parents: Gina Robers, Valentine Lovelace, Sarah Lamkin, WRPEDA Investment Committee Member Nicole Johnny, NAFOA President Rodney Butler.
