FROM LAUNDRY TO LEADERSHIP: MEET NICOLE SAWYER: MLCV People Officer – MLB Growth Multiplier, creating meaningful career paths for Mille Lacs Band members

Nicole Sawyer, MLVC People Officer - MLB Growth Multiplier. Submitted photo

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures is expanding opportunities for Band member career growth — and leading the way is Nicole Sawyer, the new People Officer – MLB Growth Multiplier. This unique role was created to strengthen the connection between MLCV and Band members, ensuring that Associates have meaningful opportunities for long-term success.

Sawyer is no stranger to this work. For nearly three decades, she has dedicated her career to serving both Band members and staff within the Mille Lacs Band government and MLCV, taking on roles in Human Resources, Legal, Operations, and Strategic Planning. Her experience, combined with a true passion for empowering others, makes her a strong leader — and just as importantly, a thoughtful mentor.

“This exciting new role is about helping Mille Lacs Band Member Associates grow both personally and professionally — from financial literacy and career development to leadership training and family-centered planning,” Sawyer explained. “My brand is simple: Empowering one MLB at a time. Empowering through insight. Supporting with heart.”

Sawyer’s own journey is a story of determination and grit. She began her career in the laundry department at MLCV, working full time while also raising her kids and going to school full time. Her persistence paid off. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Organizational Behavior from The College of St. Scholastica, along with a Project Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota.

Even before that, Sawyer knew the value of hard work. She enrolled in the vocational technical program at Brainerd High School. “It was a school program where I worked about 2.5 hours a day,” she recalled. “It was great because I got work experience, got paid, and earned school credit — a win-win! I wish they still had programs like that for kids who want the chance.”

Today, Sawyer uses those lessons to create programs that help Mille Lacs Band Member Associates thrive. Her initiatives range from financial literacy to career development and leadership training — all designed to build a strong, resilient workforce and, in turn, a stronger community. She approaches this work with a balance of strategy and heart: data-driven decisions, relationship-building, and collaboration with leadership and teams across MLCV.

She’s also partnering with the Mille Lacs Band Human Resources Department to bring their expertise directly into communities. Together, they’ve launched outreach visits to district community centers, so keep an eye on Facebook for announcements on when they’ll be coming to your area.

“My brand is simple: Empowering one MLB at a time. Empowering through insight. Supporting with heart.” — Nicole Sawyer

Those who know Sawyer will tell you that while she’s a hard worker, what stands out most is her approachable nature. She listens with genuine concern and has a warm smile that makes people feel seen and heard. One lesson she carries with her and often shares is: “Always be open to change no matter how hard it is. Life is constantly changing so you can learn and grow and be opened minded you never know what could come out of it such as new opportunities. Never settle.”

When she’s not working, Sawyer treasures time with her grandchildren. “I just love seeing them smile and having fun. That makes my heart happy,” she said. She also enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and crafting. And most recently, she has stepped into the role of chicken farmer.

“I started with eight incubated chicks, so now I call myself a farmer,” she said with a laugh.

Chasing chickens is fun and cleaning the coop is part of the job. While it is not her favorite part, she is willing to do the work to be able to enjoy the egg-cellent results in the end.

Whether she’s guiding careers, cheering on new leaders, or spoiling her grandkids, Sawyer brings the same passion and positivity to everything she does. And now, she’s ready to help Band members soar even higher.