MILESTONES
A record of the work as it happens.
This page is a record of the work as it happens: partnerships formed, programs advanced, policies shaped, and relationships built. It will grow as the organization grows, and it is kept honest for the same reason everything else on this site is: because the communities this work serves deserve accuracy, not embellishment.
JUNE 4, 2025 — PARTNERSHIP
Native Finance Development Corporation and Xceed Preparatory Academy Partner to Develop Accredited Native Financial Education Course
Native Finance Development Corporation and Xceed Preparatory Academy have entered a Memorandum of Understanding to develop, promote, and deliver an accredited and transcriptable financial education course designed specifically for Native American students. Xceed is a nationally accredited private school whose curriculum already integrates Personal Finance and Native American Studies, and whose student body includes students from Seminole tribes — making them a natural fit for this work. The partnership combines Native Catalyst’s™ expertise in sovereign-aware financial education with Xceed’s accreditation infrastructure and educational reach.
“By combining our expertise with Xceed’s reach and accreditation, we can offer vital tools to a population that has historically been underserved by mainstream financial education.”
— Cynthia J. Tam, Founder and CEO, Native Finance Development Corporation
MARCH 7, 2025 — PARTNERSHIP
Native Finance Development Corporation and Jamul Casino Resort Launch Employee Financial Education Program
Native Finance Development Corporation has partnered with Jamul Casino Resort, a tribally owned enterprise of the Jamul Indian Village of California, to deliver financial literacy courses to casino employees covering tax obligations, tips withholding, banking and budgeting, and smart borrowing practices. Recognizing the importance of financial well-being for its team members, Jamul Casino Resort committed to this partnership to empower employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their financial lives with confidence.
“Our Team Members are a vital part of the Jamul community, and we are committed to supporting their overall well-being. Partnering with Native Finance allows us to provide valuable resources that will help our Team Members make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.”
— Mary Cheeks, President/General Manager, Jamul Casino Resort
The courses are designed to address the specific financial challenges often faced by individuals working in the gaming and hospitality industry, delivered through Native Catalyst’s™ culturally relevant approach to financial education.
ABOUT JAMUL CASINO RESORT
Jamul Casino supports more than 1,300 permanent jobs throughout the region and is the closest casino to downtown San Diego, which is the eighth-largest city in the United States by population. For more information, visit JamulCasino.com.
JANUARY 2, 2025 — BOARD & LEADERSHIP
Teresa Martinez and Rigoberto Ruiz Join the NFDC Board of Directors
Native Finance Development Corporation has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Teresa Martinez and Rigoberto Ruiz. Teresa Martinez brings more than twenty years of experience in compliance, risk management, and project management within the Indian Gaming industry, and currently serves as Director of Risk and Compliance at Jamul Casino where she plays a key role in ensuring regulatory adherence and operational integrity. Her deep knowledge of risk assessment and governance will be a valuable asset to NFDC as the organization continues to support sustainable financial growth in Native communities. Rigoberto Ruiz is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in suicide prevention, early intervention, and community engagement, specializing in program development, partnership cultivation, and strategic planning with a strong commitment to teamwork and impactful collaboration. His expertise in fostering community-driven initiatives aligns directly with NFDC’s goals of creating lasting financial and economic opportunities for Native individuals and organizations.
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