Cara & David became friends while serving on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council together. While occasionally opposed on complex issues of tribal governance, they discovered friendship based on a mutual love for the Cherokee people. Now they are teaming up and utilizing their decades of experience to restore the heart of the Cherokee Nation.

Cara is a ninth-generation resident of Rogers County, Oklahoma. She is a direct descendant of Old Settler Cherokee Chief John Rogers, who lived in the Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation. Cara is an engineer by trade, earning her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Since leaving council, she has focused on leading her family’s company and creating high-paying jobs. She has consistently been named one of the premier leaders in Indian Country.

David’s career has been focused on empowering the next generation. As a graduate of Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, David knew God was calling  him to meet the needs of young people. After earning his Master’s from East Central University, he worked in public education to impact the lives of rural students. He was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin as part of a task force focused on improving outcomes in Oklahoma education especially for native students. Since leaving Council, David has focused on building affordable housing in Eastern Oklahoma.