Iowa tribe of kansas and nebraska

Communications

Meet our communications team

Communications Manager - Emily Tharp

Emily Tharp Manager of Communications, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Emily, a lifelong resident of Highland, Kansas, is dedicated to fostering strong connections within her community. She graduated from Highland Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree in graphic design, laying the groundwork for her successful career in communications and marketing. In 2014, Emily began her professional journey at Golden Eagle Casino as a graphic designer. Over nearly 11 years, she progressed to leadership roles, spending six years in marketing and one year as marketing manager. Her work at the casino sharpened her strengths in communication, guest services, and strategic marketing. Now serving as the Manager of Communications for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Emily is committed to enhancing communication between the Tribe, its citizens, and the surrounding community. With a focus on collaboration and impactful messaging, she strives to build bridges that strengthen relationships and foster growth. She resides in Highland, KS, with her daughter, cherishing the balance between her professional ambitions and family life.

Aha, relatives!

Learn about the contractors who are helping provide necessary support to the ITKN Communications Department. Each of these contractors works with the Tribe in their spare time when not working their day-jobs. Their dedication and excitement to improve our communications is appreciated.

Wenawine

Christina Haswood

Christina Haswood is Diné (Navajo) and started her higher education journey at Haskell Indian Nations University where she earned her A.S. in Community Health, then transferred to Arizona State University where she earned her B.S. in Public Health, and then graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center where she earned her Masters in Public Health (MPH) in May of 2020. She was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas but is originally from Inscription House, Arizona, where she grew up visiting family every year to keep in touch with her culture. Christina is involved in government and politics in Kansas and has a passion for increasing Native American/ Indigenous and youth/young adult representation in leadership. She has previous experience working in public health in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and the Midwest in government spaces at the federal agency, state, and Tribal department levels.

A smiling woman with shoulder-length auburn hair, wearing a blue patterned top and a silver necklace, poses in a warm, softly lit environment.

Michelle Weaver

Michelle Weaver is an ITKN Tribe Member. In addition to being on the Communications team for the Tribe she has owned Unifour Natural Pet Foods, LLC since 2012. Michelle has experience in photo and video editing, branding, print design, web design and maintenance, and digital marketing. She is certified in Google Analytics, Google Ads, Email Marketing, and proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Her biggest accomplishments are being married to her husband Scott for 30 years and her three adult children who are also ITKN Tribe Members (Bryanna, 27, David, 23, who is also the Vice Chairman for the White Cloud Health Center, and Conner, 21).Michelle's GG Grandmother was Emma Jane Franklin Sponomore, her G Grandmother Ethel Sponomore Plemmons, and Grandmother Betty Plemmons Merrell. While living in North Carolina has limited her in-person connection with the Tribe, her work with the communications team has been an immensely rewarding experience, fostering a deeper connection to her culture.