Entreprenuer c o r p o r a t e 42
Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in the U.S., the Kalispel Tribe is now one of the top private employers in the Spokane area. The tribe owns and operates a number of business enterprises (including Northern Quest), provides more than 2,300 jobs in two counties, and has donated more than $19 million to regional nonprofits.
Sincere photo by Clara Jay Photography
Shirley Blackbear Executive Director of Human Resources Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino
Proudest moment or biggest success: Winning the Vincent Price Award for poetry and short stories. It was a poem I had written about my grandfather that was published by Hartcourt, Brace and Jovanovich for several years in English Literature school books. My grandfather was a huge role model in my life. I still have a beautiful photo of him in my office. During challenging times, I often look to him for inspiration on how he would handle certain situations and it reminds me of what’s important. What do you feel Spokane’s business environment has to offer women and how do you see your role in that? For many
years I served as an advocate for each team member, encouraging high levels of morale, motivation and efficiency. My role allowed me to ensure that every team member, whether tribal or not, was able to work in an environment that was free from discrimination. My greatest reward has been in mentoring young female tribal members to gain the experience they need to earn positions of leadership in the Tribe’s largest businesses. Many women have been promoted to director and management positions, paving the way for continued leadership success for future generations of women.
Proudest moment or biggest success: The growth of the East-
ern Washington branch is my biggest success. When I joined GLP, the Eastern Washington office was just an idea. We created a five-year growth plan, which through hard work and dedication we surpassed in two years. We now have blown our 10-year growth plan out of the water. When I come to work, I am proud of the work we do for our clients in the Spokane community and how many people we have helped. I am also proud of the wonderful attorneys we have and the amazing staff.
What do you feel Spokane’s business environment has to offer women? There is so much opportunity in the Spokane market,
and the women here support each other. We are a team. Just like this publication—it’s amazing to see the support among businesswomen in Spokane. When I first began the office here 10 years ago, there were not many women attorneys in civil litigation. When I would go to court for motions on Fridays, I would commonly be the only woman in the entire courtroom. However, over the following years, I have hired and mentored a number of young women attorneys, and many are choosing to practice civil law. Things are changing and that is amazing to see.
What advice would you give young women as they consider their professional future? Find something you are passionate
about, believe in it and pursue it. You can do anything you set your mind to, as long as you work hard and work smart.
BOZZIMEDIA.com / APRIL 2020
Passionate Janelle M. Carney Managing PartnerEastern Washington GLP Attorneys, Personal Injury Law Firm