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Joseph Podlasek, e nrolled member of the LCO, Ojibwe Tribe and of Polish decent

Executive and Technical Director 2000 – present, starting with one full-time and two part-time staff members. Through networking, seeking supporters and building a quality staff from within the Chicago Native community, he currently has 13 full- time and 3 part-time staff member.

Leadership of Greater Chicago Fellow 2003

Chicago Historical Society,1996 – 2000. Mr. Podlasek comes from a strong background in technology as the Technical engineer

Administrative Responsibilities: overall organizational supervision, fiscal management, grant writing, hiring/training/supervision of staff, community and political liaison.

• Provided leadership for the formalization of an after-school program, Positive Paths
• increased AIC funding from $80,000 to $750,000 supports 3 departments: Education, Arts, Wellness
• initiated computer-assisted instruction for the students and community members
• established partnerships with other ethnic communities/Field Museum to promote cultural diversity, “cultural connections program”
• enhanced relationship with the CPS, elementary school students are bussed to AIC to participate in cultural education
• promote and endorsed the Teacher Training Program, public school teachers attend a one-day conference at the AIC for continuing education credit (3 times a year)
• work extensively with the White Bison, Inc. to promote healthy lifestyles as demonstrated through the “Daughters of Tradition Program”
• supports educational advancement of Native Americans, award AIC Scholarship to outstanding college student(s)
• career and employment opportunities for community members
• partnership with various cultural centers, museums, galleries
• establishment of the AIC Trickster Gallery, showcase exquisite Native American arts/crafts, cultural performances,
• provide resources for interns
• provide professional development for staff, enhance leadership skills
• partnership with California Indian Manpower Consortium, CIMC board member
• Chairman of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition
• utilize various approaches to eradicating stereotypical issues and promote cultural awareness.

Professional/Leadership Activities include:

• Co-Curator with the Smithsonian Institute-National Museum of the American Indian
• Chairman of the National Urban Indian Family Coalition
• Secretary of State Veteran Council
• Commissioner Chicago Department of Human Relations
• Selected by University of Illinois and NCA as consultant to the Senate committee.
• Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn’s Interstate Indian Council
• Consultant work with the Field Museum – Update of the “America’s exhibit”
• Leadership of Greater Chicago Fellowship for the class of 2003.
• Chairman of the Chicago American Indian Coalition
• Steering Committee member for the Cultural Connection Program.
• Member of the New 2006 Cultural Diversity Alliance.
• Board member of the California Indian Manpower Consortium.
• Member of the Polish National Alliance
• Established the only Native owned and operated Native Art Institution in the State, “Trickster Gallery”

Cultural and Educational Relationships: Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Human Relations, DePaul, Northeastern (49th Annual Powwow site), Northern, Univ. of Illinois Chicago campus, and Univ. of Ill-Champaign (Assisted with the opening celebration of the first Native American House on Feb 6, 2003!), Northwestern and Truman College to reach our educational goals. The AIC has also maintained the relationship with Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, General Federation of Women Club of Illinois, Chicago Public School Systems and Colleges and Universities through out the state for cultural Programming.

“Mr. Podlasek exemplifies the kind of individual who isn’t going to wait to see if things change for the better, he is going to take the helm and proactively work to improve the quality of life in the region,” said Ron Daly, president of LGC and of R.R. Donnelley Print Solutions. “Our Fellows Program is going to help make him an even more effective catalyst and leader.”

Goals:

• National Goals for community development for Indian Country
• Capital Funds to restore the oldest urban Indian Center to last the next 50 years and make it more functional for the general public to enjoy the rich cultures in Chicago.
• Create Development and Education Departments.
• To further develop the Arts and Crafts classes in our community for everyone to participate.
• Native literacy nights, Quarterly Cultural Performing Arts program in the Tribal Hall
• State of the Art youth room with-in the AIC.
• Creation of a Art Gallery and archive area to work with current museums