The next major leader to come from Tahlequah?
Man picked to take part in leadership program
Sam Lewin 7/15/2005
A Cherokee/Creek man from Tahlequah is officially one of America’s “emerging leaders.”
Jeremy Marshall has been selected to participate in Emerging Leaders, a 24-month federally sponsored program that looks to further those with already-existing leadership potential. Administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the department’s website describes the program as “intended for the best and brightest Bachelor (with qualifying work experience), Masters, JD, & Ph.D level graduates who are eager to make a contribution…the program can help you combine everything you learned in college and/or graduate school - inside and outside the classroom - into a truly meaningful career,”
Marshall, 26, was working in the Cherokee Nation’s strategy office back in January when a co-worker suggested he apply.
“I thought I would give it a shot,” Marshall told the Native American Times. “I knew it was highly competitive and hard to get but I threw my hat in the ring.”
So he put together a resume, letters of recommendation and references, applied and waited. And waited.
In April he received notice that organizers were interested in flying him out to Washington, DC for an interview. That alone was an achievement. Scores of people applied for the program, and Marshall was one of only six to be called back.
“I was excited, I was happy. But I knew it was like American Idol where you go to the next round. I knew there was another step,” he said.
So Marshall went to the nation’s capitol and saw down for a one-on-one. He now says he believes he made a good impression during the interview.
“After that it was just a waiting game. I thought I did well but I knew it was out of my hands.”
In May Marshall heard the news he had been waiting for. Accepted!
“I jumped about ten feet in the air,” he said.
Moving to the East Coast won’t faze Marshall; he previously interned for Congressman Brad Carson and also worked in the Cherokee Nation’s DC office. What Marshall is excited about are the possibilities. He wants to make a contribution to Indian Health Service. He says he has been driven to give something back to the community ever since hearing an inspirational speech from former Cherokee Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller while he was still in his teens. As part of the Emerging Leaders program Marshall will learn about the ins and outs of IHS, participate in consultations with tribes and attend hearings on Capitol Hill.
“I come from humble beginnings and my family is very traditional. My mother speaks Creek and my father speaks Cherokee,” he said. “We have always depended on the IHS here in Tahlequah. I would like to know if there is a way I could improve things for American Indian and Alaska Native people. I want to come back to Oklahoma and do things not only for Indian people but for all people.”
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Last updated on July 18, 2005