The Cattaraugus Employee of the Month of March 2025 is Samantha Jacobs!
Samantha is the Culture Learning Coordinator at the Stanley “Sully” Huff Heritage Center and has worked there since 2006. She most enjoys being able to work in and for her community. Doing what she can to strengthen the community by providing learning opportunities that take place in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
Samantha’s short-term goals are to provide enriching classes that meet the needs and wants of the community. She is always open to suggestions for future classes along with feedback on current classes you may have attended. If you have any proposals for a class, or would like to host, Samanatha provided SNI Newsletter with an email address of Samantha.Jacobs@sni.org. A long-term goal of hers is to see an artist residency program at the Sully as they have open studio spaces (Carving & Pottery Studios, Woodshop, Bead & Sewing Rooms). Samantha would like to see a paint/print shop as well. She would like to create an Artist 101 type of professional development series to help artist create artwork archives, navigate 1099 forms, invoicing, online selling, social media presences and public speaking.
When asked, “What is something you are most proud of about yourself?” Samantha stated she is proud to have helped others learn more about Haudenosaunee Heritage whether it was through language, material culture, storytelling, or traditional foodways. She also prides herself on her ability to find an answer for her community members. If she cannot teach you something, she will find someone who can and bridge the gap for skill growth or knowledge.
Ja:göh Samantha, the community is lucky to have you! Be on the lookout for events she has put together along with her coworkers at the Stanley Huff Heritage Center.
Congratulations to Theresa Ray 2025 March Employee of the Month for the Allegany Territory!
Theresa is the Assistant Comptroller in the Fiscal Department and has been employed at the Seneca Nation for 22 years—”where has the time gone!”she says.
She enjoys helping people, whether it is co-workers, departments or community.
Some goals of hers for the next few months/year is to personally—to run a 10k and professionally—to keep learning as much as possible from Cheryl Watts before she retires (hopefully this will take years). Theresa also likes to share her knowledge with the Fiscal Staff so they can continue to learn and grow as employees.
One thing Theresa wishes people knew about her job is that it never stops. Fiscal is always busy. She’s always ready to jump in and help any department with finances at any time. Traveling to Greece is something she would like to cross off her bucket list!
Theresa is most proud of about herself is that she has raised such wonderful, smart, beautiful daughters!
Weso’ Nya:weh to T-Ray for her much appreciated contributions and dedication to the Seneca Nation!
