Leadership
Committed to Community, Opportunity, and Cultural Strength
At American Indian OIC, our leadership team is dedicated to creating pathways to education, career success, and personal growth for all people in our community, while proudly honoring our organization’s Indigenous roots. Guided by experience, compassion, and a commitment to equity, our leaders work to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors receives the support and resources they need to move forward.
Leadership
With experience, dedication, and heart, our staff inspire positive change for our clients, support one another, and serve the community with passion and care.
Dr. Joe Hobot
President and CEO
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.
Melissa Hudson
Vice President
Michael Bruins
Director, Career Education
Michael Bruins has dedicated over a decade to advocating for college and career access. Prior to joining American Indian OIC, he led the Career Services department as a Manager and Director at Summit Academy OIC. His background spans admissions and financial aid counseling at Northwestern and Augsburg University, as well as experience as a Salesforce Consultant helping higher education institutions and nonprofits enhance their case management tools.
Michael began his career as an AmeriCorps member for College Possible, supporting low-income, high-achieving students through the college admissions process, and was later promoted to the program’s leadership team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Social Welfare from Luther College, where he first developed his passion for mission-driven work and serving underrepresented communities.
Michael
Delema Dionne
Director, Career Services
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.
Jess Rousseau
Director, Secondary Education
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings invaluable expertise, dedication, and guidance that strengthen our organization and its mission.
Danielle Grant
President & CEO, Achieve Twin Cities
Little Shell Chippewa
Donald J. Flower
Vice Chair
Vice President, IT, Northwest Equity Partners
Red Lake Nation
Dr. Joe Hobot
Ex-Officio
President & CEO, American Indian OIC
Standing Rock Nation
Dr. Summer Miller
Board Member
Founder & CEO SDM Integrative Consulting
Turtle Mountain Chippewa
Odia Wood-Krueger
Board Member
President & CEO, Wood Krueger Initiatives
Central Urban Métis Federation
Rebecca Schultz
Board Member
Regulatory Analyst CenterPoint Energy
Red Cliff Chippewa
Nicholas Martin
Board Member
Director, Strategic Outreach & Advocacy, Xcel Energy
ROBERT BLAKE
Board Member
FOUNDER & CEO SOLAR BEAR
Red Lake Nation
Interested in Joining the board?
Make a meaningful impact. Join our board and help guide programs that change lives.
