UNM-Gallup Finance & Frybread

• Financial Literacy Session presented by Mytegia Lee and Southwest Native Assets Coalition
• Entrepreneur Journey Story Presented by Zachariah Ben, Owner of Bidii Baby Foods
• Networking and frybread provided for all attendees

About the Speakers:

Mytegia Lee, Executive Director Southwest Native Assets Coalition

Mytegia has a long history working in the commercial banking and financing services industry providing credit analysis, financial education as well as small dollar loan origination and servicing throughout Western New Mexico. Her diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service reflect her sincere interest in helping rural households secure optimal economic opportunities and outcomes. Ms. Lee is bilingual and a skilled silversmith, rancher, and mother of three. She enjoys traveling, physical fitness and photography. She is from the community of Manuelito, New Mexico and is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Zachariah Ben, Owner and Co-Founder, Bidii Baby Foods

Zach is a member of the Navajo Nation, a sixth-generation traditional farmer and sand painter in Shiprock, New Mexico. He is of the “Giant People,” born for the “Red Running into Water” clan. His maternal grandfather’s clan is the “Red House People,” and his paternal grandfather is of the “Salt People.” Zach has over 10 years of experience in traditional farming and is the owner and founder of Bidii Baby Foods, LLC, a Navajo-registered business that sells organic, indigenous baby foods. In addition to working as a Tribal Liaison, he is a member of the state-led Family Leadership Council where he works with other families to address early childhood issues through action and advocacy.

New Mexico Rainforest Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program

UNM Rainforest Innovations and the Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program are hosting Community & Entrepreneur Engagement Events to help promote and nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems in tribal New Mexico.Building from the foundation of the NM Rainforest EDA University Center Program, the New Mexico Rainforest Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program provides entrepreneurial support to coal-impacted and tribal communities throughout New Mexico in an effort to promote entrepreneurship as a means for economic development and job growth in historically under-served communities.These events are free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. If you would like to learn more about the Tribal Entrepreneurship Program and get connected with a Tribal Liaison, please contact Cecilia Pacheco at cpacheco@innovations.unm.edu.