Heinz Family Foundation Announces $1.5 Million in Awards
Today, the Heinz Family Foundation recognized Oweesta’s CEO and President Chrystel Cornelius as the recipient of the 27th Heinz Award for the Economy. Established in 1993 in honor of the late U.S. Senator John Heinz, the Heinz Awards recognize individuals for their contributions in the areas of the Arts, the Economy, and the Environment.
Chrystel Cornelius was selected for the prestigious award for her work to return wealth and financial independence to Native lands and people, addressing centuries of disenfranchisement that have led to profound socioeconomic disparities for Native communities. “We innately know that when armed with the appropriate resources, Native peoples hold the capacity and ingenuity to ensure the sustainable, economic, spiritual and cultural well-being of their communities. Oweesta has been honored to walk hand in hand for over two decades with our Native communities to realize and redefine equity, together,” shared Ms. Cornelius.
A detailed profile of Chrystel Cornelius can be found here.
About the Heinz Awards
Established by Teresa Heinz in 1993 to honor the memory of her late husband, U.S. Senator John Heinz, the Heinz Awards celebrates the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of great importance to him. The Awards, administered by the Heinz Family Foundation, recognizes individuals for their contributions in the areas of the Arts, the Economy and the Environment. Nominations are submitted by invited experts, who serve anonymously, and are reviewed by jurors appointed by the Heinz Family Foundation. The jurors make recommendations to the Board of Directors, which subsequently selects the Award recipients, two in each of the three awards categories. For more information on the Heinz Awards, visit www.heinzawards.org.
