Candace Lowry of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has been selected as one of the 2024 Native American 40 Under 40 Class by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. 

Lowry, a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe currently serves as Deputy Director of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs in Raleigh, NC and is a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe. 

Lowry responded to a congratulatory social media post made by the Tribe (see here) and shared her thanks. 

“Thank you all. I am so happy and honored to represent my tribe alongside so many other wonderful American Indian recipients,” shared Lowry. 

Nominated by members of their communities, this prestigious award is bestowed upon American Indians (including Canadian First Nations), Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians who are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and dedication while making significant contributions in their professions and communities. This year’s class includes an Oscar nominee, a White House advisor, tribal government and business leaders, attorneys, a journalist, and several working in Native American food and agriculture.

“Recipients of the Native American 40 Under 40 awards are no longer just our future; they are leaders in their respective fields,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center in the official list release. “From the silver screen to the farm, 2024 awardees are deserving recipients who will continue to make Indian Country proud and our world a better place. I look forward to celebrating their achievements at RES 2024 and welcoming them to the growing and influential community.”

Now in its 15th year, Year, the 40 Under 40 awards program is one of the primary ways The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes and cultivates young leaders. 40 Under 40 awardees will be honored at the upcoming Reservation Economic Summit (RES), taking place from March 11-14 in Las Vegas, NV. 

“It is my pleasure to announce the 2024 class of Native American 40 Under 40 Award recipients,” said Lillian Sparks Robinson, Vice Chair of The National Center’s Board of Directors and head of the 40 Under 40 selection committee in the official list release. “Selecting this year’s class was no easy task for the Board, but the awardees are truly the cream of the crop – across Indian country and beyond. I look forward to honoring them next month at RES and following their achievements for years to come.”