Designed to empower and accelerate the growth of venture-scalable businesses led by Cherokee women, the initiative is a transformative 12-week hybrid program tailored to address the unique challenges women face in scaling their business concepts with a particular focus on access to capital and resources.
The fellowship addresses unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, focusing on access to capital and resources. Selected participants will receive a $10,000 seed grant provided by the Cherokee Nation, access to business coaching, networking opportunities and community resources, without ceding any control, ownership, or capital.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 12 weeks / 3 months
- Format: Hybrid; LIVE Online (Save the Date for the in-person Showcase on 12/14/2024)
- Timeline: Mid-September – Mid-December 2024
- Participants: 10
- Curriculum: Customized, founder-focused, and business-focused
- Program Director: Lesley Robinson, PhD // Director of Education at ayana Foundation
- Support: Assigned Accountability Partner + Mentor Matching
- Networking: Opportunity to meet in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the program launch and concluding Showcase
- Community: Access to founders, funders, and friends with varied industry backgrounds
- Cohort: Build a supportive community with fellow women entrepreneurs
Fall 2024 AcceleratHER Fellows
Shari Lynn Powell
Rooted Way
Melissa Cramer
Cherokee’s Glazed Nuts
Kayla Palmer
Palmer Construction & Marine Company
Talia Fuentes Wolfe
3-Design Hair
Amanda Thompson
Prime Craftsmanship Tiny Homes
Fall 2024 Cohort
224 Applications received for 2024 Fall Cohort Consideration.
The 2024 Fall Cohort will be announced in September 2024.
Our Partners
With the support of the Cherokee Nation, The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business, the ayana Foundation, and our amazing community sponsors, we’re uplifting Native American women entrepreneurs with comprehensive support.
Ayana Foundation
Global network dedicated to uplifting women founders globally through empowering collaborations, shared networks, and innovative support.
Cherokee Nation
The largest tribe in the United States with more than 450,000 tribal citizens worldwide
Kathy Taylor
A strategic businesswoman, captivating thought leader, community builder and steadfast advocate for women and entrepreneurship
University of Tulsa
Collins College of Business
Get Involved
Interested in becoming a sponsor or mentor? Please email fellowship@ayana.org
Become a Donor
ayana is a 501(c)(3) foundation registered in the state of California. All donations are tax-deductible, and your contribution will help us empower women worldwide.Interested in becoming a sponsor or mentor?Please email fellowship@ayana.org
“As we continually explore new ways to further the success of the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma, our tribe stands at the forefront of supporting small family-owned businesses and creating quality jobs within our tribal communities. Native American women represent the lowest rates of business entrepreneurship across all groups. This fellowship is an excellent means of beginning to address such an unacceptable statistic, while also pursuing the longtime mission of the tribe and its businesses of investing in the success of every Cherokee citizen.”
– Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Principal Chief
“Native American women often face unique challenges within the business community, including systemic disparities and lack of resources. We stand ready to change that statistic by providing a supportive platform for these talented entrepreneurs.”
– Kathy Taylor, program sponsor and Former Dean of TU’s Collins College of Business
