Project DreamCatcher Celebrates 10 Years of Achievement

December 17, 2025 - Nearly 200 Native American women entrepreneurs whose business acumen and professional networks have been enhanced through a Freeport-supported program recently came together to renew acquaintances and celebrate their success.

Project DreamCatcher, a business development program offered at no cost to Native American entrepreneurs, held its inaugural alumni summit in Phoenix in celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary. The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation created Project DreamCatcher with the Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2015 to build the capacity of Native American women business owners.

The two-day summit started with a reception, then followed with a day of keynote presentations and breakout sessions, focusing on a variety of topics that included gaining access to capital, navigating procurement challenges, leading with vision and strategic growth planning. The summit blended continuing education with celebration of the commitment to Project DreamCatcher and the personal and professional growth that has followed.

“I feel it’s very important to be amongst people who have the same goal as you in the Project DreamCatcher program,” said Zuzette Kisto, a 2025 graduate and the Community Elections Coordinator for the Gila River Indian Community. “It brings a sense of empowerment and learning and a sisterhood established during the time in the program.”

Through DreamCatcher, cohorts of up to 30 Native American women entrepreneurs participate in an intensive week of business classes in Phoenix taught by Thunderbird School faculty, tours of area businesses, and networking with Arizona business leaders. After completing the program, participants are provided mentoring and ongoing support. To date, nearly 400 women have graduated from the program.

“We are so proud of the women who have participated in DreamCatcher and used this experience to launch businesses, improve their careers and serve as role models within their families and communities,” said Ondrea Barber, Manager-Native American Relations. “Freeport is honored to be part of the journey. It is heartening that our graduates so often choose to generously share their experience with others navigating similar situations. This event is a clear demonstration of the camaraderie our graduates have developed.”

Photos (top right and bottom right): Project DreamCatcher graduates Amanda Mitchell (left) and Talisha Martinez call out their cohort year during the opening session; Project DreamCatcher graduates April Tinhorn (left) and Shalta (Shelley) Peshlakai Gerber take a break to capture the experience.