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.
The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]
A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]
By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors. This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks Around 500 […]
The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]
Mark McDowell, Treasurer and Keni Hood, Business Council Seat 7 have filed seeking re-election to their respective offices. The filing period for candidates has passed, with no additional candidates declaring their intention to run for office. Therefore, in accordance with Title 6, Sec. 6.20.080 of the Shawnee Election Act, both unopposed candidates are hereby deemed […]
YOUR CAN COULD BE BACK ON THE SHELF IN JUST 60 DAYS! You enjoy your beverage and recycle your aluminum can. Recycling trucks collect the cans and take them to a facility to be sorted. The cans are cleaned and shredded into small pieces. The aluminum pieces are melted down and rolled into large sheets. […]
The Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department recently hosted a hands-on learning experience focused on water systems, runoff, and watershed education in the Miami community. During the event, students participated in the installation of a rain barrel system while learning how rainfall moves through local watersheds and contributes to flooding.
WEEMEYAKWE (WHERE WE COME FROM) By A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack “Two heads are better than one,” the old saying goes. With twice the brainpower and two times the life experiences to draw from, we are twice as likely to solve a puzzle, make sense of an enigma, or figure out a mystery. The […]