GALLERY: Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship and Lesia Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Celebrating this year’s Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship and Lesia Guerrero Memorial Scholarship recipients!
Kiana Lewis
Kiana Lewis was awarded $3,500 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Bear Clan, she is currently pursuing her master's in strategic leadership & communication with a minor in entrepreneurial & economic development at Peru State College. Kiana is dedicated to inspiring the younger generations to break barriers, build bridges, and ensure youth voices are heard and valued. She aims to create and streamline opportunities and programming that empower youth and strengthen our future generations of leadership.
Elijah Bullie
Elijah Bullie was awarded $3,500 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. He is a descendant of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and is pursuing his Juris Doctor at the UCLA School of Law. Elijah aspires to drive impact litigation to the highest courts, leveraging Tribal sovereignty to support sustainable tribal enterprises and carry forward his family’s legacy of advocacy. His work aims to create a patchwork of strategies for systemic change that strengthen his community, culture, and values.
Charli Earth
Charli Earth, Wakjexiskawiga, was awarded $3,000 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Water Spirit Clan, she is a senior at the University of Arizona, pursuing her bachelor’s in organizational leadership and regional commerce. Charli hopes to inspire younger generations by showing that higher education is both attainable and meaningful. She is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders, fostering environments where youth are recognized, supported, and empowered to lead.
Ricky Suarez
Ricky Suarez was awarded $3,000 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Wolf Clan, he is a senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, majoring in accounting. After graduation, Ricky aspires to obtain his CPA license and use his expertise in accounting to give back to his tribe, following in his mother’s footsteps. He also plans to create free financial literacy programs for all ages, helping his community manage money, invest, and build long-term generational wealth.
Sae Doxey
Sae Doxey, Ha Me Ha Mani Winga, was awarded $3,000 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and member of the Bear Clan. She is a junior at the University of Nebraska Lincoln studying graphic design with a minor in software development. Through her education background, she aspires to help elevate Tribal Nations by creating strong, intentional branding and visuals that tell their stories and authentically represent their people.
Melaki George
Melaki George was awarded $3,000 through the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Bear Clan, he is currently a sophomore at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln majoring in architecture. Melaki aspires to become a licensed architect, and contribute to his community by designing sustainable, high-quality homes that address the housing needs of the Winnebago people and make a lasting, meaningful impact.
Isaiah St. Cyr
Isaiah St. Cyr was awarded $1,500 through the Leisa Guerrero Memorial Scholarship during his last semester. He graduated in May 2025 from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in New Mexico, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a member of the Bear Clan. He is currently pursuing a business and entrepreneurship certification at IAIA. Isaiah is the co-founder of NOTA, LLC., a student-led organization established at the institution. He is passionate about youth development and hopes to use his education to create meaningful content in the Ho-Chunk language and develop programming that engages young people, strengthens community connections, and helps preserve the Tribe’s culture and language.
