Dirk Whitebreast Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient

Press Release For Immediate Distribution: Meskwaki Nation, Tama, Iowa
 
Dirk Whitebreast Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient – Award recognizes young Native American and Alaska Native leaders across the U.S.
 
Dirk Whitebreast has been named as a 2018 winner of the Native American 40 Under 40 award. The award is bestowed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Awardees are nominated by members of their communities because they have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication in making significant contributions in their communities.
 
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the NCAIED committee for selecting me to be a part of this year’s Native American 40 Under 40 class,” Whitebreast explained. “I’ve been fortunate in my young career to experience the successes I’ve had and hope that it serves to motivate other young people in our community to offer up their own leadership. Thank you to my friends, family, MBCH team and the Meskwaki community for your continued support. Congratulations to my fellow 40 Under 40 award recipients. See you in Tulsa!”
 
The award, in its 10th year, is given to individuals who have devoted their skills and resources to enhancing their communities. Award winners will be honored at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 29-30. From business, academia, healthcare, tribal government, politics, non-profits, journalism, the law, finance, and marketing, 40 under 40 winners are shining examples for all of us to follow.
 
Whitebreast, a member of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki Nation), is the general manager for non-gaming operations at the Meskwaki Bingo, Casino and Hotel, an avid runner, entrepreneur, and a board member for the Center for Native American Youth.
“We are thrilled to recognize the impressive achievements of Dirk Whitebreast,” said Bessie Scott, Executive Director of Meskwaki Tribal Operations. “A prime example of his leadership capabilities is when Marshalltown experienced the devastating tornado in early July. The storm caused several families to be displaced in the downtown area. Mr. Whitebreast, along with Mr. Jon Papakee, immediately sprang into action and mobilized efforts by converting the main conference room of the casino into a temporary shelter for families affected by the storm.
 
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Dirk to receive this distinguished award. Congratulations, Dirk Whitebreast.”
 
In 2011, Whitebreast ran 10 marathons in 30 days to promote the Center for Native American Youth and suicide prevention awareness. He recently began Red Earth Running Company, an independent running brand, whose mission is to elevate awareness of Indigenous running and runners globally. To learn more, go to https://redearthrun.co or find more on Facebook @redearthrunco.