Meet the Team Working to Expand Opportunities for Native American Students

Kyler McGillis, a tribal citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, ND, is the visionary founder of the All Indigenous Recruiting Organization (AIRO). Growing up with limited access to educational resources, Kyler only visited two colleges before graduating high school. He earned his degree from the University of Jamestown through a college basketball scholarship, using sports as a gateway to higher education.

Inspired by his own challenges—navigating opportunities and resources—Kyler founded AIRO to empower Native students by bridging gaps in access and opportunity. Today, he balances his work with Velveteen Ventures, advocacy for Indian Country, and completing his MBA at the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, all while driving AIRO’s mission to create a brighter future for Native communities.