text: Alissa Snow - Western Native Voice
  Trials, Tribulations, Strength & Perseverance
  I didn't have a lot of role models growing up. But, when I turned 18 and moved to Fort Belknap with my dad, he wanted to get his degree, so he enrolled in tribal college. He encouraged me to sign up even though I didn't have a plan, and I wanted to start working on a better life for my kids and myself. I put my whole life in school work at that time while my grandmother watched my kids. My dad and I were both going to college at the same time, and I received good grades. I wanted to go into social work, and it seemed like it fit because I liked to help people. Then, one of my instructors encouraged me to switch to computer applications.
  I had to stop going to school for so many reasons: funerals, addictions, taking care of kids. Going to school was something I did when I had time. We should always prioritize our family and our health.
  In 2014, while living in Missoula, someone sent me a job description for Western Native Voice. I applied for a community organizer position even though I was still afraid to talk to people. I didn't even know what it meant to be a voter, so I learned from scratch. I had to believe in it myself. This change maker was the beginning of who I am today.
  I became the first Native woman lobbyist in Helena, and it was empowering.
  I then became the field director, where I ran the Native vote program, where 70% of my job was on the road. I went to every reservation in Montana. Later, I was offered an opportunity to work for the Fort Belknap tribe, and helped open the first-ever public relations office, and helped with legislative issues. From there, the Democratic party reached out and asked me to run the Native vote program. I was nervous at first, but I had a great team and a lot of support.
  I want people to want more for themselves.
  Alissa and Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland
  I want our people to make voting a family tradition.
  We all have the potential for greatness within ourselves, no matter our start in the world. And it's never too late to realize that.