Dr. Joe Hobot, a descendant of the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Nation from the Standing Rock Reservation, is passionate about serving Native communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctorate of Education from Hamline University.

Dr. Hobot joined American Indian OIC in 2006 and has served in various roles, including Director of Education before becoming President & CEO in 2014. He also teaches at the Falmouth Institute and consults with the National Urban Indian Family Coalition.

He has been recognized by the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Citizens League for his work, and has served on several boards, including the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership and the US Department of Labor’s Native American Employment and Training Council.

Katie Fitzpatrick has been working in Workforce Development for close to 20 years. She has been with American Indian OIC on and off since 2012, and prior to that worked in youth employment, criminal justice reform, and the arts. Katie finds purpose in helping others to achieve their career goals and provide for their family. She appreciates AIOIC for its authentic approach to working in and for community.

Rachel Banks Kupcho (Leech Lake Ojibwe) has dedicated the last 26 years to serving the community in multiple capacities. From working as a family advocate with our moms involved in child protection to training social workers on compliance with state and federal law for our children in out of home placement on a national level to engaging Minnesota’s 11 tribes and urban areas to get out the vote to working with foundations and individual donors to help fund programs at the nonprofit level, Rachel has worked tirelessly to uphold the laws that protect our children—our future—while also bringing awareness and education. By being empowered with knowledge and skills can we, as a community, be better positioned to truly be seen, heard, and valued.

Delema Dionne is a proud tribal member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in American Indian Studies, specializing in the Ojibwe language. With a strong commitment to employment and training services, Delema brings years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on empowering Native American communities and other communities of color.
Her passion lies in giving back to the community and creating pathways for success. In her leadership role, Delema thrives on learning and collaboration, ensuring that staff and participants feel supported and encouraged. She looks forward to growing within the agency and building spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring for all.

Bio coming soon…