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My successes.

Poston’s clients include the American Indian Gaming Center, National Indian Gaming Commission, National Congress of American Indians, Walmart, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Poston is now Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certified.

In 2018, Poston & Associates was named a finalist for the American Small Business Championship. Some of Poston’s proudest achievements include helping to launch the Inaugural Native Women's Business Summit in April 2018; acting as the lead public relations point for the Pueblo of Tesuque in a campaign to protect sacred land; and increasing Santa Clara Pueblo’s voter turnout from 30 percent in the 2008 primary to nearly 70 percent in the 2008 general election. 

“There are so many incredible initiatives happening in Indian Country and I often get the privilege to positively impact the narrative in a positive way,” says Poston.

How SCORE helped.

Poston is no stranger to seeking out resources to amplify her success. She’s a graduate of the Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders Program, where she learned about the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and SCORE.

Poston meets with her SCORE mentor, Dar Johnson, every four to six weeks. Johnson has helped Poston get her financials in order, freeing her up to direct her time and energy to what she’s best at — communications. Johnson is also helping her pursue federal government contracts and has encouraged her to gain 8(a) certification, which would make her eligible for a wide range of support from the Minority Business Development Agency.

How Did Your Business Get Started?

Stephine Poston loved working for the government of her tribe, the Pueblo of Sandia. However, after 11 years on the job, she simultaneously hit the glass ceiling and decided she wanted more time to spend with her children. So in 2002, she launched Poston & Associates, a full-service communications firm specializing in tribal and government issues. Poston says that running Poston & Associates allows her to pursue her passion: “honor[ing] tribal communities by showcasing their authentic narrative through inspiring marketing, public relations, strategic facilitation, training and event planning.”