Who We Are
The National Society of American Indian MBAs (NSAIMBA) formed in 2004 as a 501 © (3) non-profit organization. We exist to foster Native American talent and leadership through graduate management education and professional development. NSAIMBA strives to prepare Native Americans for leadership positions throughout the U.S., so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation’s diverse workforce.
Meet our board members - click here.
Vision
To develop, inspire, and motivate Native Americans to achieve higher education while building an MBA professional business network for economic and philanthropic advancement.
Mission
To increase Native American leadership through graduate management education and professional development in order to improve society.
Strategic Objections
EDUCATION – Develop and deliver educational programs to prepare Native Americans for admittance into graduate management schools.
Develop and deliver consulting materials to tribes, academia, corporations, etc.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – Provide speaking engagements at colleges, universities, and diversity conferences to inspire American Indian youth to pursue higher education.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT -
Board Members
Renee Palacio-Cunningham
 Renee Palacio-Cunningham provides global consultation and project management for three of IBM's largest business units, Global Technology Services, Integrated Operations, and Sales & Distribution line executives, HR executives, and HR partners; analyzing deficiencies in hiring, promotion, attrition/retention and architecting solutions to address issues.
Renee received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and her MBA in Human Resource Management from Amberton University in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University, Washington, DC., and Human Resource Certification from Cornell University.
Renee began her IBM career in the Area Communications Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later transferred to Dallas, Texas, joining the IBM.COM Service Center. While in Texas, she held various leadership and management positions before joining the Human Resources team as Resource Program Manager. In 2001, Renee joined IBM Rochester as Manager of Diversity Programs where she was responsible for employee diversity education, support of employee diversity network groups and diversity council, diversity recruitment, affirmative action programs, and work life programs. In 2003, Renee became the Program Manager for the Multicultural People in Technology (MPIT) Project Office where she developed and deployed attraction, development and retention programs for IBM's technical and multicultural, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender, and Persons with Disabilities workforce.
Renee is a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, having served on the board as both Vice President of Education and Treasurer for the Dallas Chapter. Renee is co-founder of of the National Society of American Indian MBA's, where she is responsible for Public Relations and outreach activities. Renee is an active volunteer in Jr. Achievement, e-mentoring, Women in Technology, and National Engineers Week.
Renee and her family live in Durham, NC where she is actively involved with her childrens' schools and activities. Renee is an avid latin dancer, reader, crafter, and enjoys sports activities with her husband and their three sons.
Jeff Estep
 Mr. Estep, enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and former Marine, has 25 years of experience in Information Technology Consulting and Staffing. Mr. Estep joined a former division of IBM after his service as a Marine. He has held senior sales management positions with IBM, Sun Microsystems, DPRC and Computec. He received his B.S. from the University of Oklahoma and M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He is currently the President of Heritage Global Solutions, an Information Technology consulting firm.
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