February 14, 2024 | Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, proudly announces the appointment of Naomi Sarazin as its inaugural Executive Director. With her deep-rooted commitment to Indigenous culture, extensive experience in education and non-profit sectors, and a strategic vision for growth and impact, Sarazin is set to lead Pow Wow Pitch into a new era of success.
Founded by Sunshine Tenasco, Pow Wow Pitch emerged from a powerful vision to support and promote Indigenous entrepreneurs. Tenasco’s journey, which began with securing investment on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, transformed into a platform dedicated to providing mentorship, resources, and cash prizes for Indigenous entrepreneurs at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in 2015. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Pow Wow Pitch pivoted online, rapidly scaling its reach across Canada and evolving into a non-profit organization.
Sarazin’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in Pow Wow Pitch’s journey. With over 15 years of experience in the education and non-profit sectors, Sarazin brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of Indigenous communities to her new role. A proud member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Sarazin holds a Masters of Professional Education with a focus on Leadership in Indigenous Education, embodying a commitment to bridging Indigenous ways of knowing with mainstream society.
Reflecting on her strengths and aspirations for Pow Wow Pitch, Sarazin emphasizes her strategic thinking, commitment to community empowerment, and dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships. “My strengths lie in being a strategic thinker with the ability to see all the detailed steps to reach a goal, as well as being able to empower my team to meet our organizational milestones,” Sarazin shares. “I want to continue creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Uplifting and empowering our people to pursue their entrepreneurial journey with the support of Pow Wow Pitch’s resources, tools, and partners is what is going to fuel Indigenous economic growth.”
For Sarazin, her decision to join Pow Wow Pitch is deeply rooted in her passion for community and empowerment. “I was involved with Pow Wow Pitch in its early stages as a volunteer, and have been a cheerleader for the grassroots initiative all along,” she explains. “Seeing the natural evolution of the organization grow from a grassroots initiative to a not-for-profit organization has been a delight. I look forward to leading the team and continuing to make an impact for Indigenous entrepreneurs and our communities.”
Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch, warmly welcomes Sarazin to her new role, expressing confidence in her leadership and shared values. “We are incredibly proud to step into this new era of Pow Wow Pitch with Naomi’s exemplary leadership. Her dedication to uplifting the next generation resonates deeply with our mission and we are so excited to welcome Naomi into our Pow Wow Pitch family.”
As Sarazin embarks on her journey as Executive Director, her focus remains firmly rooted in community and the next generation. “Community matters most to me,” she affirms. “We each have a role to play in making a better future for the next generation.” With her leadership, Pow Wow Pitch is poised to grow a lasting impact, empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and fostering economic prosperity for generations to come.