As Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Stephanie A. Bryan’s focus is on protecting the Tribe’s interests and enhancing her people’s quality of life. The Tribe has created more than 9,000 direct job opportunities and reinvested in over 40 businesses across a range of industries from gaming to hospitality, aerospace, manufacturing and government services.
WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT the future and the opportunities that it presents for our Tribe and the communities that we serve. We anticipate that we will be able to expand and continue to diversify our business portfolio. That will help us to continue to improve the quality of life for the communities in which we live and work, including helping to improve education and healthcare–especially in rural areas.
WE’VE LEARNED THE HARD WAY THAT to overcome challenges, we have to be both resilient and unified as a people. We have made it through real periods of abject poverty and adversity by helping each other. These experiences have taught us the importance of standing together, staying true to our values and investing in the future.
THE TOOLS OF OUR TRADE are the relationships we’ve built with leaders across Alabama. These relationships have allowed us to play a more important role in the State, particularly in efforts to help families and communities in times of need.
I AM PROUD OF our Tribe’s genuine passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others. That work began at our home in Atmore, but it has expanded to other communities. When I see the positive outcomes we have had in helping others succeed, I feel truly blessed and proud. I am consistently reminded of the significance of our collective efforts.
YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS how far our Tribe has come in the last fifty years. I wish the generations that struggled so hard could see what we have been able to do because of the example they set. We are a people who work hard, care about others, and have had a deep and lasting commitment to maintaining our identity, becoming self-sufficient and protecting our right to self-govern.
WE VALUE our long-standing tradition of giving back to the community, supporting initiatives that strengthen education, healthcare and cultural preservation.
I HOPE WOMEN WILL continue to pursue opportunities to lead and make a difference. In the pursuit of becoming a stronger leader and a better individual, it is important to value the quality of humility. Humble leaders are willing to acknowledge their mistakes, embrace vulnerability, work with full transparency and be part of a team.
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