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.
During General Council weekend (September 20-21), the Shawnee Tribe hosted Firaxis Games’ Pete Murray (Learning & Development Manager) and Lead Producer Andrew Frederiksen, developers of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, due to be released next February. Murray and Frederiksen kicked off their Shawnee visit with attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika […]
Messages from the Chiefs – Fall 2024: It’s a US Election Day! Chief Barnes highlights the importance of voting in every election, local to federal, and Chief Baldridge reflects on the earliest days of his service on the Business Council compared to where we are today.
Shawnee language classes will resume for the 2025 calendar year on Monday, January 6! Self-paced learners and those hoping to participate in live classes should contact the Shawnee Language Immersion Program team (SLIP) to begin enrollment. SLIP will work with each individual student to place them in the appropriate course(s) based on their learning preferences […]
On Friday, September 20, tribal citizens and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Shawnee Tribe’s newest facility and cultural resource—the Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika (Shawnee language house). A little more than ten minutes east of central Miami, OK, the facility boasts a large, open gathering space with high ceilings and a […]
On October 15, the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine and his wife, First Lady Frances “Fran” DeWine traveled to Miami, OK to visit with various Shawnee Tribal programs and leadership. “We were honored to receive Governor DeWine and his wife at our Shawnee language house, Cultural Center, and Administrative offices,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “We […]
In September, the Shawnee Tribe’s Gaming Commission staff received safety training from City of Guymon professionals including; Fire Marshall Jason Bond, Fire Chief Scott Lathrop, 911 Director Justin Carnagey, and Police Sergeant Jacob Bankston. “It was a very productive training day and was well received by the Gaming Commission staff,” said Otis Hughs, Executive Director […]
GILA RIVER, Ariz.—Chief Ben Barnes attended today’s event on the reservation of the Gila River Indian Community, where President Joe Biden delivered a historic speech and a formal presidential apology for 150 years of federal Indian boarding school policies which he called “a shame” and “a blot on American history.” “I’m delighted that President Biden’s […]
In recognition of the harm domestic violence causes to our communities, Chief Ben Barnes designated the month of October 2024 as “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” through Shawnee Tribe Proclamation 2024-10-03. “WHEREAS, the Shawnee Tribe recognizes domestic violence as a threat to tribal sovereignty and the basic human right of our citizens to thrive, […]