Miramar, FL— Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Mitchelene BigMan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member for her contributions as a Championing Advocacy for Veterans and Native Americans.
Mitchelene BigMan is a dedicated advocate for veterans and Native Americans, leveraging her extensive experience and passion for service to drive positive change in her community. As the founder of the first all-female Native American Cologuard and of a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy in health education and finance, Mitchelene is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by these underserved populations.
Mitchelene’s journey towards advocacy began while in the military building a solid foundation, attaining a degree in business management and marketing, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in business administration and management, as well as a Master’s in legal studies from the University of Oklahoma. Armed with this knowledge, Mitchelene has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights and well-being of veterans and Native Americans.
Throughout her distinguished career, Mitchelene has been a staunch advocate for her fellow veterans, drawing on her 22 years of service in the U.S. Army. From her initial enlistment in 1987 to her retirement in 2009, Mitchelene served with honor and distinction, defying gender stereotypes and excelling in roles such as diesel mechanic, serving in combat arm units. Her dedication to service extends beyond her military duties, as she worked for the Army as a civilian, first the military financial department and transferred to the Army Community Service as a social service assistant 2009 to 2010, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her country and community. Mitchelene became a federal civilian employee for the Department of Defense for ten years, continuing under the Department of Interior from 2019 to present.
As a co-author of “Her War Too!” and “Her War Too! Volume II: From TRAILS to TRIUMPHS”, Mitchelene has shared her own experiences and those of other women veterans, shedding light on their contributions and struggles. Her advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Society of American Indian Government Employee (SAIGE) Award, the White House Champions of Change Award, Marquis Who’s Who Women of Influence 2024 and recently the International Association of Top Professionals award.
In her free time, Mitchelene enjoys staying active with activities such as exercising, walking, and making Native American outfits. She also finds solace in listening to music and podcasts, which inspire and motivate her to continue her advocacy work.
Mitchelene is supported in her endeavors by her husband, Dwayne Curtis Cyrus, a retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army, and children of eight, six in which she adopted. Together, they share a commitment to serving their community and making a positive impact on the lives of veterans and Native Americans.
Looking ahead, Mitchelene remains steadfast in her mission to advocate for those who have served their country and the indigenous communities she holds dear. With a focus on continued growth and success, she is determined to effect meaningful change and ensure that the voices of veterans and Native Americans are heard and respected.