Melody Staebner
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Melody Staebner is a first year student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, enrolled in the Associate of Arts – Social Science program, pursuing a degree in Social Work. She currently serves the Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools as the Indian Education Coordinator, supporting school attendance, academic success and providing family support. Melody has received many accolades, including YWCA Woman of the Year in 2008 for “Advocating for Youth” and the Gladys Shingobe Ray Award in recognition for her devotion and extraordinary service to the Native American Community. Melody serves on several committees including the National Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, North Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council, North Dakota ESSA Tribal Stakeholder Committee, North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings Committee, Woodlands and High Plains Powwow Committee and the Youth Works Board. Melody is an intentional leader, who is dedicated, passionate, and enthusiastic and has an incredible positive energy.
Personal Statement
My name is Melody Staebner, I am an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. I am the Indian Education Coordinator of the Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools, I have filled this role for 18 years. I support school attendance, academic success, and provide family support. I received the YWCA Woman of the Year Award in 2008 for “Advocating for Youth”. Most recently I received the Gladys Shingobe Ray Award in recognition for my devotion and extraordinary service to the Native American Community. I am currently enrolled at Minnesota Community and Technical College, pursuing my Social Work degree. I serve on several committees including the National Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, North Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council, North Dakota ESSA Tribal Stakeholder Committee, North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings Committee, Woodlands and High Plains Powwow Committee, Youth Works Board. I have been through many trainings that included working with at-risk youth, homeless population, dropout prevention, mental health and suicide prevention, leadership, trauma and cultural competency.
