Inclusion
Ben Baker
He/Him
Executive Marketing Specialist聽 鈥 Sales 鈥 Great Midwest Region
Blessed 鈥 What does that mean?聽 Merriam-Webster defines blessed various ways.聽 One definition is 鈥渂ringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune鈥. I鈥檓 blessed to have a family that has always supported me 鈥 no matter if I鈥檝e failed or excelled 鈥 they鈥檝e always been there to encourage my growth as a human being. Never take things for granted 鈥 always say 鈥減lease鈥 and 鈥渢hank you鈥 鈥 and always mean these words when you say them to others.聽 I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan along the Canadian Border.聽 As an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians who also worked in the Tribal Government鈥檚 Communication Department right out of university, I鈥檝e been blessed to grow in my career with one foot in the business world and one foot in a culture that promotes family, respect for others, reverence towards nature and the belief that you need to look to the past in order to know where you鈥檙e going in the future.聽 Yes, blessed鈥
Blessed to be part of the USA Today LOCALiQ Team that truly cares about our clients.
As well as encourages open collaboration with my colleagues that provides a camaraderie unlike any other media company. Blessed to have a management team that cares about your growth 鈥 your ideas 鈥 your skills 鈥 your personal life 鈥 and the respect to be who you are.
What does this month/observance mean to you?
Native American Heritage Month.聽 Acknowledgment of Native American Heritage began in 1986 with the week of November 23-30, known as 鈥淎merican Indian Week.鈥 Eventually, starting in 1995 and beyond, the entire month of November served as the recognition period of historical, cultural, societal, and educational contributions of the first inhabitants of the United States. I鈥檓 a member of a Tribe that had the vision to be self-sufficient through economic development, healthcare for tribal members, housing for families and services for the elderly 鈥 with deep respect.
It was never an easy road, and I saw many things that could have deterred this growth.
But with the perseverance, strength in culture, importance of family, a plan for the future 鈥 and just plain hard work, my Tribe grew and became prosperous. During this month, I鈥檓 humbled and grateful for how my tribe came together over decades to help their people, and lay the plans for future generations鈥s well as many other Tribes have done around the United States. I鈥檝e learned throughout the years, that if people can come together for a common goal of growth, unity and respect, that the outcome will bear the results that affect everyone around them positively.
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month! It鈥檚 a time to celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures and important contributions of our nation鈥檚 first people.
