Project Dream Catcher Marks 10 Years of Empowering Native Woman Entrepreneurs
November 21, 2025
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
Leadership on Motion
Native Women Leading Change.
PHOENIX — Native women alumni gathered Nov. 14 at the Sheraton’s Kave Ballroom to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Project DreamCatcher, a business program offered at no cost to Native American women entrepreneurs.
Since the launch, the program has graduated 356 women across 14 cohorts. DreamCatcher is a partnership between Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, designed to build the capacity of women business owners from Arizona Tribes.
The celebration began at 8 a.m. with Mary Kim Titla serving as emcee. Former Lt. Gov. Roberto Stone gave a blessing, and Jacob Moore, associate vice president at ASU, gave the welcome remarks. Jason Chavez director of tribal affairs at the Arizona Governor’s Office, and Ondrea Barber, strategic Native relations manager at Freeport-McMoRan, also spoke.
The summit featured panels, networking sessions, workshops and a luncheon. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis gave his remark during the luncheon, which included the featured panel, ‘Leadership on Motion—Native Women Leading Change.’
Candace Hamana, director of tribal relations at ASU, moderated the panel. Speakers included Judy Ferreira, executive director of Indian Gaming Association; Mary Kim Titla, executive director of UNITY; Tanya Lewis, former chairman of the Yavapai Apache Tribe; and Lynnann Yazzie, deputy superintendent for Indian Education at the Arizona Department of Education.
Hamana asked panelists what excites them about Native women leading in business, education, policy, arts and community development.
“We are witnessing how men lead. They have been in the leadership role for centuries. This is our reality. All the women on this panel are leading very successful organizations. The potential for women to lead is there. We have a choice and opportunity to lead. So just step up and become a leader,” said Yazzie, a member of the Navajo Nation.
“I see beauty before me. I see beauty behind me. I see beauty all around me. Not only that, but I see beauty in all that you are doing. You are all trailblazers,” said Titla, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
“There are a many choices out there. More choices create more opportunities. If you want to walk in tennis shoes, high heels, or moccasins, you do that. Make sure you take advantage of who you are and your unique story,” said Ferreira, also of the San Carlos Apache Nation.
“There is no limit to what you can reach. Always reach and reach farther. We are all here for each other. Set a goal, and we’ll cheer you on. Keep moving forward even if it’s baby steps, and don’t look back,” said Lewis, who is a member of the Yavapai Apache Nation.
Hamana reflected on the celebration. “First, Project DreamCatcher turning 10 years old is a significant milestone. Second, the program had a significant impact on Native women entrepreneurs in the state of Arizona and across the country. Last, this program is very empowering for Native women,” said Hamana, who is Hopi and Navajo.
Gov. Lewis praised the program’s impact.
“You don’t let anyone define who you are as a human being, especially as an Indigenous woman. You don’t let the mainstream define who you are. You define yourself based on your family, culture and tradition. Be true to yourself. Each one of you is a trailblazer,” said Gov. Lewis.
“DreamCatcher is an incredible movement in which you will lead your people and your nation in difficult and challenging times. You have the tools, and you have the gift given to you by the Creator to make a difference,” he added.