UNM Rainforest Innovations has won the 2024 UEDA Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for its New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program (NMTEEP). This award category recognizes projects that not only exemplify excellence in promoting diversity, equity and including but also make meaningful strides toward fostering equitable opportunities within communities. The NMTEEP is making a significant impact in New Mexico, particularly in tribal communities that have faced unique economic challenges, including the recent closures of coal mines.
The nomination for this award is a significant achievement, as the selection process spans six months and involves application submissions, peer reviews, online presentations, and final selections made by attendees at the annual UEDA Summit in each category. These projects are recognized as the leading university-based economic development initiatives in the country, evaluated by fellow experts in the field.
Sandra Begay, Chair of the UNM Rainforest Innovations Board of Directors stated: “We are thrilled to receive the UEDA Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This recognition not only validates our hard work but also highlights the incredible potential within our tribal communities.”
Richard Luarkie, PhD, CEO, Blue Stone Strategy Partners adds: “Much of the success of our program relies on the collaboration with tribal liaisons and local partners. Together, we’re building a robust support system that meets the unique needs of Native American entrepreneurs, helping them overcome barriers and thrive.”
Funded by an American Rescue Plan grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and job growth in tribal communities, especially those affected by coal mine closures. The program focuses on establishing sustainable relationships with tribal entrepreneurs through four key components:
- Tribal Liaisons: Tribal liaisons serve as mentors, conducting personalized sessions to identify entrepreneurs’ specific needs and connect them with vital resources in New Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Entrepreneurial Training: The program links entrepreneurs to existing training programs and funding opportunities, facilitating skill development and access to essential capital.
- Storytelling: NMTEEP elevates the voices of Native American entrepreneurs by sharing their stories through interviews and podcasts, offering inspiration and insights into their journeys.
- Entrepreneurial Connection Events: The program hosts entrepreneurial connection events to showcase tribal entrepreneurs, fostering community engagement and supporting the growth of vibrant rural and tribal entrepreneurial ecosystems.
This award underscores the critical role that initiatives like NMTEEP play in fostering economic resilience and opportunity in New Mexico’s tribal communities.
About the University Economic Development Association (UEDA)
Established in 1976, the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) has been working to bring together higher education institutions, private sector businesses, non-profits, government organizations, and community economic development stakeholders to create local and regional economic opportunity. Their membership includes more than 160 organizations, who represent the leading edge of modern economic development thinking and practice.
See the UEDA’s October 16 press release, “UEDA Announces 2024 Awards of Excellence Winners,” reposted below:
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UEDA Announces 2024 Awards of Excellence Winners
Arlington, VA – October 16, 2024 – The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) announced the Awards of Excellence winners at its 2024 Summit, held from October 7-9 in South Bend, IN. This prestigious award celebrates programs that represent outstanding economic development initiatives, research, or accomplishments in the categories of talent, innovation, place, engaged university, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The finalists presented their projects at the Summit, where attendees selected the category leaders. A judges award winner was also chosen by UEDA’s awards committee.
The finalists presented their projects at the Summit, where attendees selected the category leaders. A judges award winner was also chosen by UEDA’s awards committee.
Awards of Excellence Winners:
- Talent: University of Kentucky, #WhatsYourStartDate: A Career Center’s Strategic Scaling Strategies to Take Gen-Z from Backpack to Briefcase
- Innovation: The University of Georgia, Rural Engagement Workshop
- Place: University of North Carolina Wilmington, Climate Change and Coastal Resiliency — Turning Knowledge to Action
- Engaged University: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, eBridge – Center for Business and Commercialization
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The University of New Mexico – UNM Rainforest Innovations, New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program
- Judge’s Award: Rutgers University, Rutgers Advanced Institute for the Study of Entrepreneurship and Development (RAISED) — DEI award nominee
“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional universities and their innovative projects,” said Jeff Sachse, President of UEDA. “These initiatives are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life in communities across the country.”
For more information about the UEDA Awards of Excellence and the winning projects, please visit here.
About UEDA
Established in 1976, the University Economic Development Association has been working to bring together higher education institutions, private sector businesses, non-profits, government organizations, and community economic development stakeholders to create local and regional economic opportunity. Our membership has grown to more than 160 organizations, who represent those at the leading edge of modern economic development thinking and practice.
Media Contact:
David Deutsch, Senior Communications Manager for the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness