ONE CITIZEN’S JOURNEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION, CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND HOMEOWNERSHIP
Shawnee tribal citizen Michael Cedrone lives in Texas, where he works as Head of Human Resources at GBC Food Services. Cedrone attributes his success to the tribe’s educational, career and housing support programs. His professional journey began at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, TX, managed by one of the tribe’s business partners, Global Gaming Solutions (GGS), an extension of the Chickasaw Nation’s Division of Commerce. Before embarking on a career in HR, he became the first in his family to achieve a college education.
Q: What differences have Shawnee Tribe citizen services made in your personal and professional development?
A: The Shawnee Tribe’s commitment to education, career development, and community empowerment has profoundly enriched my life and fueled my drive to succeed. The Higher Education Awards program not only enabled me to earn an associate degree but also paved the way for me to complete a bachelor’s degree in HR Management and a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership. These programs go beyond just creating opportunities—they provide the tools and resources necessary for long-term success.
Q: How did your time spent working with Global Gaming Solutions impact you?
A: I began my professional journey with them in 2017, and I’ve had the privilege to connect with inspiring leaders, draw strength from their stories, and contribute to extraordinary organizations. Under the guidance of Jennifer Kaneshiro, the Chief Human Resources Officer of the Chickasaw Nation’s Division of Commerce, I learned the values that guide the [Chickasaw] Nation and received mentorship that helped me grow and witness the profound impact of our collective efforts. The team members deepened my admiration for our mission, and it came back full circle when we, together, established initiatives like the construction of Golden Mesa Casino, creating new opportunities for the Shawnee Tribe’s future.
Q: Where are you now, and how do you incorporate what you learned through your higher education and early career into your current role?
A: As Head of HR at GBC Food Services, founders Thein & Katie Aung have entrusted me with the profound responsibility of empowering and cultivating their most invaluable resource—their people. Thien & Katie are former refugees from the ongoing Burma civil war. Because of their journey, they’ve instilled resilience and determination into their organization, and I draw many parallels between their story & values and our tribe’s history of displacement & principles of community support. We are not only supporting individuals—we are building a legacy of empowerment for under-recognized communities. Just as the Shawnee Tribe promotes strengthening the entire community, our initiatives at GBC aim to create sustainable opportunities for under-recognized groups, ensuring long-term growth for everyone involved.
Q: What message do you want to convey to the community?
A: From scholarships and educational grants that open doors to higher learning to career mentoring that guides us toward fulfilling careers, the Shawnee Tribe is committed to our holistic growth and well-being. What was once a distant dream for me—homeownership—is now within reach, thanks to their initiatives that support financial literacy and offer pathways to securing a stable future. The tribe’s support has not only transformed my life but has also given me the strength and purpose to uplift others on their own journeys. To every member of our community: I encourage you to embrace the incredible programs and resources provided by our tribe. These are more than just opportunities; they are stepping stones to a brighter future. Let us honor the legacy of our ancestors by seizing these opportunities and creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
by A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack The original mouth of the Scioto River, in what is now southern Ohio, is far from Oklahoma. So far, perhaps, it has been forgotten. But important events in Shawnee history—in the mid-1700s and thousands of years earlier—took place there. Two painted panels on Portsmouth, Ohio’s floodwall highlight its […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MIAMI, OK — The Shawnee Tribe has declared a state of emergency and released emergency funds to assist citizens who may lose access to food assistance following the federal government’s suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified the Tribe on October 22 that SNAP operations will […]
RSVP to the Elders’ Luncheon!
The Shawnee Tribe’s 2025 General Council & Election Weekend included a community dinner and stomp dance, as well as the annual meeting of the Shawnee Tribal Council and Business Council election. Citizens had the opportunity to meet tribal service programs & administrative staff, collect raffle prizes, and hear reports on the past twelve months of happenings of the […]
Check out this helpful information on recycling myths. 1. Myth: Everything with a recycling symbol is recyclable. Fact: The symbol shows material type, not what your local facility accepts. 2. Myth: It’s okay to guess what’s recyclable — “wishcycling” helps. Fact: Guesswork often leads to contamination; non-recyclables can spoil batches. 3. Myth: Recyclables don’t need […]
This September 30, 2025 is Orange Shirt Day.
Welcome to ta’saawanwaatoweeyakwe, the new blog series dedicated to the Shawnee Language Immersion Program’s happenings and language preservation work. From June 18-21, Shawnee Language Immersion Program apprentices, mentors, Community Language Preservationists (CLPs), and other guests gathered for their annual conference at the Emma “Mock” Donaldson Shawnee Language House. Many of the attendees live far away from […]
Miami, OK — The Shawnee Tribe is pleased to announce the launch of its Project Proposal Portal, a new digital platform designed to streamline the submission and evaluation of business ideas and partnership opportunities. This initiative supports the tribe’s commitment to economic independence, sustainability, and diversification beyond gaming-related enterprises. The portal offers a straightforward process […]