Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club Director Named “40 Under 40”
AKWESASNE – Jessica Cree Jock, Executive Director of Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club (ABGC), has been selected as a recipient of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s (NCAIED) “Native American 40 Under 40” award. The prestigious award recognizes 40 emerging American Indian leaders from across Indian Country who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication, and made significant contributions in business and/or their community.
In her role as Executive Director, Jock ensures the development and implementation of all programs, activities and services the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club provides. Since she began in 2011, she has more than doubled the Club’s operating budget from $400,000 to $850,000. Under her direction, the Club has grown from 200-registered members to over 600 members in the past five years. The Club recently extended its after-school services to the St. Regis Mohawk School, accommodating even more youth. Last spring the ABGC held its first annual black-tie gala, raising $17,000 toward the Club's new building fund. Jock has also created opportunities for youth to represent ABGC nationally, recently bringing high school students to Washington, DC to speak with U.S. Health and Human Services directors about the needs of teens in Indian Country.
“I am very humbled by this award,” said Jock, an enrolled member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. “The youth in our community keep me focused and encourage me to do my best every day. My work for the Club is not a job, it’s my passion. I’m honored to serve the youth of Akwesasne.”
ABGC Board President Julia Back Skidders extended congratulations on behalf of the Club. “Jessica is devoted to being a positive force in the lives of the kids of Akwesasne, and it shows,” said Skidders. “This recognition of her leadership is well-earned.”
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Sub-Chief Michael Conners also serves on the board of ABGC. In his reference letter for Jock’s nomination, Conners praised her work ethic and vision for expanding the Club’s reach. “Jessica’s ambitious strategic plan has helped the Club achieve goals like financial transparency, increased services to members, and increased community support for the Club’s capital campaign for a new building,” said Conners. “Five years ago, the Club was in need of direction, support and leadership. We found that in her.”
The awardees will be officially honored at the 41st Annual Indian Progress in Business Awards (INPRO) Gala, taking place on November 16, 2016 at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The event is part of Reservation Economic Summit (RES) New Mexico.
Past Akwesasne recipients include Justin Tarbell (2014), Randi Barreiro (2010) and Tsiorasa Barreiro (2010). Other notable recipients include professional golfer Notah Begay III and WBNA All-Star Shoni Schimmel.
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Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit organization serving community children ages 6-20 and their families since 2001. Its mission is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring community members. ABGC is a member organization of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a non-profit organization that has assisted American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development for the past 40 years. Its Native American 40 Under 40 Awards are given annually, since 2009.
PHOTO CAPTION:Jessica Jock Cree (center), Executive Director of Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, was selected as a recipient of the NCAIED “Native American 40 Under 40” Award. She is pictured with club members Kailiana Smoke (left) and Brooklyn Benedict (right) in Washington, DC last May 2015. Photo credit: Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.