Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2019 in the July issues of the magazines. Each day, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2019.

The Most Influential Women for 2019 will be honored at a dinner and reception that begins at 5:30 p.m. on August 22, 2019 at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. For tickets or for sponsorship information, email Josh Schimmels or click here for more details.

To buy copies of the Most Influential Women in Arizona issue, click here.

Today’s spotlight: Bernadine Burnette

Title: President, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Burnette has led the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for more than two decades, during which time she has held the position of secretary, vice president, and now, president.  In addition to her role a president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Burnette is also the chairperson of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. In June, Burnette was elected president of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).  During her two-year term, she will help ITCA achieve its mission of promoting Indian self-reliance through public policy development.

Source of pride:Leveraging 24 years of public service, I’m currently spearheading the completion of a new casino that will benefit my Nation and the Phoenix gaming community when it opens in 2020.”

The personality trait that helped you succeed:My unwavering love for the Yavapai people and commitment to their future have motivated me to continually seek and accomplish projects that will help my Nation prosper.”

The personality trait that got you into trouble:Because I’m passionate about improving the health, well-being and happiness of our 890 tribal members, I sometimes take on too many projects and can have difficulty prioritizing.”

Best childhood memory:Growing up, I came from humble beginnings and was the only child in our home.  When I finally got the large doll I wanted (three feet tall!), it was magical.”