BROADCASTS.com

\u201cIf it takes an hour to go to the nearest ATM, banking isn\u2019t really on your horizon as a job option\u201d-- Jackson Brossy

Jackson Brossy is on a mission. First, his passion to serve his people of the Navajo Nation is strong. Second, his passion for economic development across Indian Country is part of a wave to make our communities a stronger place to live.

Jackson is Navajo. He grew up on the nation in Red Mesa, and spent weekends traveling an hour, to the nearest border town for groceries and to access the closest ATM. Jackson is the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office. He attended Stanford University and then the Harvard Kennedy School.

In this episode we discuss:

\n
• Jackson\u2019s roots in Red Mesa, AZ on the navajo Nation.
\n
• The role of parents in the college application process.
\n
• Jackson\u2019s experience at Stanford and Harvard.
\n
• How a Native student told him not to attend the same school they did and why.
\n
• The motivation behind Jackson\u2019s interest in economic development (hint: border towns & silicon valley).
\n
• Jackson\u2019s question of why not in Indian Country?
\n
• The value of relationships versus \u201cnetworks\u201d and \u201cnetworking.\u201d
\n
• What the role is for economic development in Indian Country.
\n

To hear Jackson\u2019s story, listen to the episode.

Listen on iTunes

Listen on Stitcher

Listen to all previous episodes here

(ed note: as part of the show, I try to ask the guests what challenge, or question, or idea they want to share with other NextGen Natives. Here is Jackson\u2019s)

\u201cLet\u2019s start talking more about what we can do to build [our] economies. In particular tech...Lets play some offense instead of just defense.\u201d

These ideas are meant to start conversations that hopefully turn into action. Go to NextGen Native on Facebook and become part of the conversation, or on Twitter #nextgennative.