Tesia Zientek

Tesia Zientek, a Citizen Potawatomi Nation citizen, is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous STEM education, tribal education sovereignty, and workforce development. As Managing Director of Programs at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), she leads a national portfolio of STEM initiatives, federal grants, and cross-sector partnerships that expand opportunities for Indigenous students and professionals.

Previously, Tesia helped establish and directed the Citizen Potawatomi Nation's Department of Education, where she led efforts to expand educational access and leadership pathways for Tribal citizens. A former President of the National Indian Education Association and the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education, she also served as Vice President of the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly. Tesia holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Stanford University, and her honors include NCAIED and Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40 recognition. She enjoys thrifting vintage clothing and getting lost in a good book.