CMD-IT recognizes Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Indigenous innovation, leadership, and resilience, and to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples in technology and society.
The month of November was designated as Native American Heritage Month by a joint resolution in 1990. This month offers an opportunity to spotlight these voices and the significance of Native American Heritage Month. It serves to educate others about Native histories, cultures, and contemporary issues; promote awareness of the sovereignty and rights of Native nations; celebrate Indigenous innovation, leadership, and resilience; and honor the ongoing contributions of Native peoples to science, art, government, education, and technology.
November highlights Indigenous voices shaping the tech world:
Adrea Delgado-Olson (Ione Band of Miwok Indians): Adrea is currently the Executive Director of IndigiGenius and the Founder of Native American Women in Computing (NAWiC). Andrea shifted from teaching to technology and earned her master’s in computer science in 2015. Her work builds community and representation for Indigenous women in tech, demonstrating how cultural identity and computing can intersect to drive inclusion.
Michael Running Wolf (Northern Cheyenne, Lakota, and Blackfeet): Michael is an AI researcher for SynthBee. He is focused on preserving endangered Indigenous languages and bridges culture and cutting-edge technology. His work shows how computing can empower cultural sovereignty and reshape who defines the future of technology.
Renita DiStefano (Seneca Nation): As the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer of Second Derivative, Renita champions Indigenous leadership in tech. Her story underscores how heritage can inform leadership values and inspire more Native Americans to pursue careers in computing.
As we celebrate this month, CMD-IT proudly recognizes Indigenous innovators whose perseverance and vision continue to inspire the computing community. Their stories remind us that true inclusion goes beyond participation, and it’s about creating space where voices are valued.
