Steffani Cochran

From Oklahoma to Washington D.C., Steffani Cochran embodies what it means to be a powerful Chickasaw woman. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's of science; she then went on to pursue her master's degree from George Mason University in Virginia and her juris doctorate from American University in Washington.

After graduating, Steffani spent more than a decade immersed in Indian law, and has held several high profile positions throughout the Indian community. This experience helped form her identity in the public landscape.

Because of Steffani's relentless work for the public and the Chickasaw Nation, she was bestowed the highest honor for a Chickasaw woman. In 2011, Cochran was awarded the Dynamic Woman of the Year. Only those who show excellence in every facet of their lifestyle are awarded this honor.

Steffani served as the vice chairperson of the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington, D.C. Her nomination was initiated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, and she was appointed to the commission by President Barack Obama. This position is vitally important to ensure that Indian gaming is conducted fairly and honestly, void of organized crime.