Submitted by Jodie Davis, VP, Marketing & Communications, Seneca Holdings
Seneca Holdings’ Native American Internship Program (NAIP) continues to create meaningful pathways for Native talent to gain firsthand experience in a corporate environment while bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the company.
“Our internship program is an essential point of connection between Seneca Holdings and the next generation of talent in the Seneca Nation, said Pierce Lukonaitis, Employer Experience Specialist and an NAIP alumnus. “The program was an important opportunity for me to develop my own career, and I am grateful to have been both a participant and now a co-lead of NAIP for the last five years. It’s been fulfilling to support our emerging professionals and see the great things they are doing both inside and outside of our organization.”.
Since its launch in 2022, the NAIP has supported more than 40 interns, providing Native American students and recent graduates with opportunities to build professional skills, expand industry connections, and explore long-term career paths.
Recognizing the 2026 Intern Class
This year’s NAIP cohort brings together a talented group of students and emerging professionals representing diverse academic backgrounds, experiences, and career interests. Among this year’s interns are nine Seneca Nation members and descendants, as well as representatives of the Cherokee Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, and Navajo Nation.
The 2026 class features the talents of Elial Bryan, Alexia Catalone, Camden Farmer, Slade Gonzales, Giselle Gourd, Morgan Huff, Mahala Lepsch, Tierzah Penn, Ulysses “Uly” Printup, Yadira Rivera, Sterling Skye, and Ke’ya Stevens. Their areas of study include finance, economics, accounting, business administration, business management, public administration, communications, psychology, environmental sustainability and policy, media studies, art, music industry and production, and general studies — and some are pursuing advanced graduate degrees as well. Their diverse perspectives, talents, and aspirations have enriched the work of the Seneca Holdings’ teams they supported throughout the internship. In turn, the experience provided these interns with valuable hands-on experience, professional development opportunities, and exposure to a wide range of business operations.
Learning Through Experience
Throughout the summer, the interns have been embedded across a variety of teams, including finance, accounting, human resources, marketing & communications, Seneca Environmental, Seneca Nation Group (SNG), the SNG Project Management Center of Excellence, project controls, and the Rochester Knighthawks. These placements provided interns with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while gaining exposure to the diverse operations that support Seneca Holdings and its portfolio of businesses.
Across the company, the interns are contributing to meaningful projects that have a real-world impact. From analyzing financial data and supporting talent acquisition to advancing environmental initiatives, creating communications content, and learning the business of professional sports, they are applying their skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Along the way, they are building technical expertise, strengthening their confidence, and developing the analytical and leadership skills needed for future careers.
Building Connections Beyond the Workplace
A hallmark of the NAIP experience is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with peers, mentors, and colleagues across the organization.
This summer’s cohort participated in a variety of professional development and networking activities, including workshops, mentoring opportunities, and networking events. Interns also traveled to Washington, D.C., where they connected with leaders from across Seneca Holdings, learned about the company’s mission, strategic priorities, and diverse portfolio of businesses, and gained valuable insight into how different teams collaborate to support organizational success. The experience provided a broader understanding of the company and exposed interns to potential career paths across the organization. Social events throughout the summer provided additional opportunities for interns to strengthen relationships and share experiences
Another highlight of the summer was the annual family picnic, where interns had the opportunity to catch up with fellow Seneca Holdings colleagues outside of the workplace, build new relationships, and learn more about the people behind the work. “It was an amazing experience that reinforced the importance of connection, support, and the family-centered values that are reflected throughout the NAIP,” said Morgan Huff, intern with Seneca Environmental]. “Being able to meet some of the colleagues’ family members helped us feel even more connected.”
Creating Connections
Each intern is paired with a mentor who provides guidance, professional advice, and encouragement throughout the summer. These mentoring relationships help interns navigate their roles, expand their professional networks, and gain insight into potential career paths.
For many participants, the mentorship component becomes one of the most valuable aspects of the program, creating connections that often continue well beyond the internship experience.
Looking Ahead
As NAIP 2026 continues, the cohort contributions are already making an impact across the organization. Through meaningful work experiences, mentorship, and community-building opportunities, NAIP remains a powerful example of how investing in people creates lasting value.
“We are proud to support the next generation of Native leaders,” said Manager of Employee Experience Rosie Lepsch,” and we look forward to seeing the many ways these talented interns will continue to grow, contribute, and lead in the years ahead.”
