Elaina Osife is officially a Thunderbird. 

The Thunderbird School of Global Management is a business school at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus. The school gets its name from a decommissioned World War II–era Army Air Force base in Glendale, Arizona, which was called Thunderbird Field No. 1. 

The school’s origins date back to April 1946, when it was originally founded as the American Institute for Foreign Trade. For nearly eight decades, the school developed future generations of business leaders and executives. In December 2014, Thunderbird became part of ASU, which expanded its resources and opportunities available to entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. 

On August 8, Osife completed the Thunderbird DreamCatcher Program, which is a week-long business development program specifically designed to provide networking opportunities, resources and support to Indigenous women entrepreneurs. The program is a collaboration between the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. The initiative began a decade ago in 2015.

Alumni who graduate from the business program, just as Osife has, are referred to as “Thunderbirds.”

Osife now joins the impressive list of Thunderbird alumni, which includes Christopher Campbell, former assistant secretary of the United States Treasury; Halla Tómasdóttir, the president of Iceland; and Ramon Laguarta, the CEO of Pepsi. To date, the Thunderbird alumni network includes roughly 50,000 graduates across 150 countries. 

Locally, in 2023, chef Denella Belin (Diné) from Tuba City launched her Indigenous food business, Nella’s Innovative Kreations, with the help of the DreamCatcher Program.

“When I learned I was accepted, it felt like Creator had placed a clear confirmation in my hands that the vision I carry is not just mine to hold, but mine to grow and share,” said Osife.

She added, “I was deeply honored and humbled. This program is more than a professional opportunity; it is a sacred chance to build something that uplifts Indigenous voices, preserves our stories and creates space for future generations to thrive in both culture and commerce.”

During the program, Osife networked with fellow DreamCatcher alumni as they provided the newest graduating class of Thunderbirds with the expertise to help take their businesses to the next level. “What made it especially meaningful was how it honored Indigenous perspectives. We weren’t just learning how to make a profit; we were learning how to create impact, protect cultural integrity and lead with our values at the center,” revealed Osife. 

One of the program highlights came when Osife and her fellow DreamCatcher colleagues attended a workshop at the Women’s Business Center and engaged in peer-to-peer learning with local business leaders and executives. 

“DreamCatcher is an investment in our growth as Indigenous women entrepreneurs, equipping us with the tools, network and confidence to turn our ideas into sustainable, community-driven realities.”

Osife continues to refine her business acumen as she prepares for a full launch of her three businesses: Mesquite Butterfly Trades, Love & Joy Butterfly Co. and Level Up Podcast. 

As she looks back on her latest accomplishments, which include her participation in Moonshot Arizona’s pitch competition this past July, Osife remains as humble as ever and extends her appreciation to the people of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 

“Entrepreneurship is more than business; it is giving service. Every product created, every story told, and every connection built is an offering to our ancestors and a gift to the generations yet to come.”

She continued, “The greatest lesson for me is that leadership requires balance, protecting your vision while staying open to new knowledge and collaboration. I realized my business is more than a marketplace; it’s a living community of artisans, storytellers and healers. When your work is rooted in culture and guided by Creator, the path forward opens in ways you could never imagine.”