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Key Note Speaker
D.J. Vanas
Native Discovery, Inc.
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For the past decade, D.J. has used his dynamic programs to build warriors in 48 states and internationally to over 1,700 audiences at organizations such as IBM, NASA and hundreds of tribal communities, governments and schools - and he's ready to deliver his high-energy message to you!Growing Up
Born into desperate poverty with teenage parents, D.J. has come far by any measure and truly "walks his talk" when it comes to achievement - and shares these proven methods with his audiences. D.J. Vanas was born in Muskegon, Michigan and is the son of an Odawa Indian father and a mother of Dutch descent. He learned the value of service, dedication and education from his hard-working parents. His father served 22 years in the Air Force and his mother has been a nurse for 20 years. Being raised in a military family, D.J. grew up in South and North Dakota, and spent most of his life in Biloxi, Mississippi. Showing motivation at an early age, he starting flying airplanes at 13 and attained a pilot's license at 17.
Education
D.J.'s own education and personal development has been in the classrooms of the country's top institutions and in the sacred circle of the Lakota Sun Dance ceremony. His formal education took place at the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a B.S. in Management and at the University of Southern California, earning a M.S. in Systems Management. His earned titles include both the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force and the name Mato Wambli (Eagle Bear) in traditional ceremony.
Career
As a Captain in the United States Air Force, D.J. served his country and gained extensive leadership training and experience. For several years, he worked in the Air Force Space Program, as part of an international launch team on a multi-billion dollar satellite program. He lived in the Australian outback for six months while working on this program and led an international team of engineers on the project.
D.J. was then selected as the Chief of Minority Enrollment at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado - he was the youngest officer ever to achieve this position. During this time, he selected, trained, and led four separate teams over as many years to break records for diversity in the student body.
A motivated entrepreneur, author and professional speaker, he started Native Discovery Inc. in May of 1999 to "build the warriors to tomorrow...today." D.J. uses traditional warrior concepts and colorful wisdom found in Native American culture to inspire others to achieve their best in life, school and career. D.J.'s celebrated book The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement was first self-published in January 2002. Since then, it has been published by Andrews McMeel and is available in bookstores nationwide (it has also been published in Japan, China, Korea and the UK).
Personal
In 2002, D.J. was selected to be a distinguished German Marshall Fellow (one of only 38 Americans) and traveled to Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy & Romania to improve relations between the U.S. and the European Union. Representing the U.S. and Native America, D.J. served proudly and has a new perspective on global dynamics. He is also a professional member of the National Speaker's Association & the American Indian Science & Engineering Society where he is a Sequoyah Fellow. In 2003, D.J. was inducted into the American Indian Graduate Center's "Council of 100" which is composed of scholars, leaders & traditionals across Indian Country. D.J. was selected for this honor for his "contribution as a leader in the Indian community." In 2006, D.J. was selected as co-chair of this esteemed organization. In 2007, D.J. was awarded "Educator of the Year" by the Native American Resource Group and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
He is also the writer of the award-winning monthly newsletter Firelight (Ryan Editorial Award) and continues to write a monthly column in the national newspaper News from Indian Country.
D.J. is married to Arienne and they have two daughters, Gabrielle and Isabella.