For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Mavis Harris
(202) 632-7003
St. Paul Region Director Shawnna Castellano
Named as a Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipient
WASHINGTON, DC, Tuesday, August 27, 2019 – National Indian Gaming Commission’s St. Paul Region Director Shawnna Castellano has been named as a 2019 winner of the Native American 40 Under 40 award. The award was bestowed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center), and awardees are nominated each year by members of their communities because they have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication in making significant contributions in their communities. This was the 11th anniversary that the National Center celebrated these awards.
“I am honored to be recognized and join such an exceptional group of individuals who are committed to the success of Indian County. I've been privileged to be supported by passionate leaders, who provided their encouragement, teams of individuals willing to share their knowledge and all of the past leaders who paved the way,” said Shawnna Castellano.
“Our greatest asset at the NIGC is our staff and their dedication to the communities they serve. We are proud that Ms. Castellano is being recognized for her leadership and service to Indian Country,” said Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause. “We would like to congratulate her on this well-deserved award.”
The 2019 award gala was held at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ on August 24. The awarded recipients of the National Center’s Business Scholarships was deserving undergraduate and graduate students majoring in a business-related field.
“Shawnna Castellano is truly impressive and amazing young leader,” said Chris James, President, and CEO of the National Center. “Shawnna joins a growing community of past winners who are already making a difference in their communities and professions. I look forward to honoring her achievements and welcoming her into the 40 under 40 family.”
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The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming. The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission including (1) To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes; (2) To stay ahead of the Technology Curve; (3) Rural outreach; and (4) To maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners. NIGC oversees the efficient regulation of 506 gaming establishments operated by 246 tribes across 29 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the growing $32.4 billion Indian gaming industry.
To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
953 East Juanita Avenue • Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 545-1298 ● (480) 545-4208 Fax ● www.ncaied.org
