“I am thrilled to be a part of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and look forward to working with other passionate people across the state to create a clear path to homeownership for our Native families,”
says Elias Mendoza, who has just been named Program Director for the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition.
The appointment is a major change for the organization as it works toward establishing itself as an independent nonprofit. Mendoza steps in as the Coalition’s first full-time staff person, taking on the task of guiding organizational development while coordinating with five working committees.
Building on Past Partnerships in Sisseton
Mendoza is no stranger to the Coalition’s mission. Back in 2019, he connected with the organization when his workplace served as a partner site for their Construction Internship Program.
At that time, he was the Program Director for Sisseton-Wahpeton’s 477/Employment Training Service Center, a program that co-mingles the Tribe’s adult education, workforce development, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs. Partnering with the Sisseton-Wahpeton Housing Authority, Mendoza’s team successfully shepherded five interns through the construction program, resulting in a 100% completion rate.
When the Coalition posted the Program Director opening a few months ago, Mendoza recognized an opportunity to lean into work he truly cares about. He brings over 10 years of experience in executive support, staff training and development, and project planning, and is looking forward to building bridges between tribal, state, and federal agencies.
A Journey Home
Though born in Los Angeles, California, Mendoza spent much of his early childhood on and around the Lake Traverse Reservation. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences from North Dakota State University, he worked in several metropolitan areas before moving back home to Sisseton in 2012.
