Waséyabek

07/28/2026

Last week, we were excited to welcome the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi's Youth Learn Work group to the Waséyabek corporate office as part of this year's program!

Young Tribal Members visited McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids, learned about Waséyabek's growing portfolio of companies, tested their skills in an investing game, and enjoyed a friendly round of Shishibé (Bingo) for prizes.

Thank you to NHBP for partnering with us to support this valuable opportunity for Tribal youth, and to the Strategic Engagement Department for organizing a memorable experience!

07/08/2026

Our final intern spotlight is Ashton Shukis, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Member and student at Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸?

I'm looking forward to learning about how the Finance Department at Waséyabek operates and gaining hands-on experience through my internship. I'll be working on a project related to unclaimed property, and I'm excited to contribute while developing a deeper understanding of the financial side of the business.

Beyond my project, I'm eager to learn about all of Waséyabek's departments. As a business student, I originally envisioned starting my career in logistics or management, so I'm especially interested in understanding Waséyabek's portfolio of companies and how they operate from a business-to-business perspective.

Most importantly, I'm grateful for the opportunity to intern with a company that is owned by and so closely reflects the values of my own Tribe, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. Being able to learn, grow, and contribute within an organization that reinvests in our Tribal community makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me and my family. I'm excited to learn from the people at Waséyabek and make the most of this experience.

07/01/2026

The next intern up for spotlight is Logan Goralski, journalism student at Grand Valley State University and Marketing + Communications Intern.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸?

What I'm looking forward to most during my time is working for an organization with a meaningful purpose and telling their stories. As a journalist working in a marketing position, there's room to continually grow and expand my skills whilst sharing the message and goals of Waséyabek. It's an amazing opportunity to work for a community that has long-term results in mind. Seeing the way Waséyabek impacts the lives of Tribal Members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and those they employ has been a deeply moving experience for me.

I'm excited to make more connections in the professional world and continue to build my portfolio while utilizing my creativity to create valuable marketing material. Public-facing material is critical to a business's success, and I'm grateful to be part of an organization that has the lives of real people considered in every aspect of the work they do. I'm looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me!

06/25/2026

We’re hiring!

Waséyabek is seeking a Director of Finance in the corporate office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Join a passionate team who is dedicated to preserving the sovereignty of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and making a difference in Indian Country. The ideal candidate will bring experience across diverse portfolios – including federal operations – and be ready to make an impact.

Learn more about the position and apply now through our Career Center!

https://lnkd.in/gDfJHvUq

06/24/2026

As Deidra Mitchell prepares to close an extraordinary chapter at Waséyabek at the end of 2026, it’s hard to overstate the impact of her leadership over the past decade.

When Deidra stepped into the role in 2016, Waséyabek was an emerging vision. Today, it represents a thriving, diversified portfolio with full or majority ownership of more than 30 legal entities, employing over 900 people across the U.S. Along the way, she helped build a dynamic investment platform that spans industries – from advanced manufacturing and defense to healthcare, real estate, business advisory services, and beyond.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Deidra built more than a portfolio – she built an incredibly strong foundation. She established the systems, culture, and strategic discipline that turned Waséyabek into a respected, forward-looking economic development engine that is recognized throughout Indian Country. Her leadership has played a critical role in strengthening long-term economic sustainability and advancing the sovereignty of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

Over the years, Deidra has also become a respected voice in the region and beyond – earning recognition from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as a Woman of Influence and as one of West Michigan’s most impactful business leaders.

As she looks ahead to a well-earned period of rest and time with family, her legacy is firmly established – not just in the growth of Waséyabek, but in the opportunities it will continue to create for generations.

Thank you to Crain's Grand Rapids Business and Mark Sanchez for highlighting this important milestone and capturing the story behind such a remarkable run.

Deidra, your leadership has set the standard – and your impact will be felt for years to come.

Full story: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/banking-finance/cgr-waseyabek-ceo-deidra-mitchell-leaving-20260624/

06/23/2026

Next up in our summer intern spotlight series, we have Jenna Rios, graduate student at Arizona State University and HR Intern!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸?

I am looking forward to learning more about the company and its Tribal engagement efforts. As a Member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, I am excited to contribute to the Tribe and Indian Country as a whole by providing research that will help further develop Tribal employment and development practices.

I am eager to learn more about Waséyabek and its subsidiaries through the Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Program that I am participating in this summer in addition to the internship. Throughout the summer, I hope to continue to grow personally and professionally. Additionally, I aspire to offer a unique perspective as a young indigenous person by actively engaging in conversations and contributing to projects.

Lastly, I am excited to connect with the Waséyabek team and the surrounding community here in Grand Rapids. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I am happy to be a part of this year’s summer intern cohort!

06/19/2026

🚆 Big news for growth in West Michigan!

Earlier this week, CSX recognized Waséyabek’s Mshiké Industrial Complex in Holland, Michigan, as a Bronze Select Site – the first designation of its kind in the state. This program connects companies with high-quality, rail-served properties primed for development and expansion.

"This land, and its proximity to rail and highway transportation lines, provides an opportunity for exponential growth for businesses and the Tribal community," said Waséyabek President & CEO Deidra Mitchell.

Deidra accepted the Select Site commemorative plaque alongside Board Chair Chris Rogers, marking a meaningful milestone for the Mshiké property.

This recognition highlights the growing economic opportunities created for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, as well as the continued strengthening of NHBP sovereignty through strategic acquisitions and expansion.

Read more here: https://waseyabek.com/waseyabek-property-touted-national-railway-company-key-economic-development-loctation/

06/18/2026

Ahead of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi's annual Pow Wow on June 20 and 21, 13 On Your Side featured a story on this year's theme, "Honoring Our Elders."

NHBP's Pow Wow is open to the public. The Tribe encourages those who are interested to head to the Pine Creek Indian Reservation this weekend to experience an important Tribal event.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band is preparing to welcome hundreds this weekend for its annual Pow Wow celebrating culture, community and tradition.

06/17/2026

Since the Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Program kicked off last month, our participants have visited several of Waséyabek’s portfolio companies to take an in-depth look at the people and places that continue to protect the sovereignty of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

SAFARI Circuits LLC hosted the first site visit. LEAD participants toured Safari's Otsego facility, engaged in business discussion with executives, and learned to solder.

Baker Engineering LLC. hosted the second site visit, where company leadership showcased their Power & Propulsion Center of Excellence along with current projects. The Baker team also held open discussion time for LEAD participants to ask questions about their work.

Finally, at Zip Xpress and Green Transportation, leadership offered a history of the businesses and a deep look into company operations. The LEAD group took a tour of both facilities and got an up-close look at a new tractor.

Thank you to all the portfolio companies for their continued dedication to NHBP and for their willingness to open their spaces for this year's LEAD cohort!

06/16/2026

Our next intern spotlight is Carolyn Hoemann. Carolyn is one of two Legal interns we have this summer and a JD Candidate at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸?

I am excited to be at a mission-driven organization that offers excellent training across multiple areas of the law. Waséyabek also provides great mentorship to learn how all of the details come together in the bigger picture.

My professional background before law school was in public health policy. Through that work, I learned that economic opportunity, self-determination, and community health and well-being are closely connected. Waséyabek’s work promotes economic growth and tribal sovereignty for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, which creates positive impacts that extend far beyond Waséyabek’s everyday operations. I could not be more excited to contribute to the important work they do!