For the past decade, D.J. Vanas has used his dynamic programs to build warriors in 48 states and internationally to more than 1,700 audiences at organizations such as IBM, NASA, and hundreds of tribal communities, governments, and schools.

Growing Up
Born into desperate poverty with teenage parents, D.J. has come far by any measure and truly "walks his talk" when it comes to achievement—and shares these proven methods with his audiences. D.J. was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and is the son of an Odawa Indian father and a mother of Dutch descent. He learned the value of service, dedication, and education from his hard-working parents. His father served 22 years in the Air Force and his mother has been a nurse for 20 years. Being raised in a military family, D.J. grew up in South and North Dakota, and spent most of his life in Biloxi, Mississippi. Showing motivation at an early age, he starting flying airplanes at 13 and attained a pilot's license at 17.

Education
D.J.'s own education and personal development has been in the classrooms of the country's top institutions and in the sacred circle of the Lakota Sun Dance ceremony. His formal education took place at the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a B.S. in Management, and at the University of Southern California, earning an M.S. in Systems Management. His earned titles include both the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force and the name Mato Wambli (Eagle Bear) in traditional ceremony.

Career
As a Captain in the United States Air Force, D.J. served his country and gained extensive leadership training and experience. For several years, he worked in the Air Force Space Program as part of an international launch team on a multi-billion dollar satellite program. He lived in the Australian outback for six months while working on this program and led an international team of engineers on the project.

D.J. was then selected as the Chief of Minority Enrollment at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado—he was the youngest officer ever to achieve this position. During this time, he selected, trained, and led four separate teams over as many years to break records for diversity in the student body.

A motivated entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, he started Native Discovery Inc. in May of 1999 to "build the warriors to tomorrow...today." D.J. uses traditional warrior concepts and colorful wisdom found in Native American culture to inspire others to achieve their best in life, school, and career. D.J.'s celebrated book, The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement, was first self-published in January 2002. Since then, it has been published by Andrews McMeel and is available in bookstores nationwide (it has also been published in Japan, China, Korea, and the UK).

Personal
In 2002, D.J. was selected to be a distinguished German Marshall Fellow (one of only 38 Americans) and traveled to Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, and Romania to improve relations between the U.S. and the European Union. Representing the U.S. and Native America, D.J. served proudly and has a new perspective on global dynamics. He is also a professional member of the National Speaker's Association and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society where he is a Sequoyah Fellow. In 2003, D.J. was inducted into the American Indian Graduate Center's "Council of 100" which is composed of scholars, leaders and traditionals across Indian Country. D.J. was selected for this honor for his "contribution as a leader in the Indian community." In 2006, D.J. was selected as co-chair of this esteemed organization. In 2007, D.J. was awarded "Educator of the Year" by the Native American Resource Group and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

He is also the writer of the award-winning monthly newsletter Firelight (Ryan Editorial Award) and continues to write a monthly column in the national newspaper, News from Indian Country.

D.J.'s Programs (as keynotes or workshops)

• The Warrior Within: A Path to Personal Discovery and Achievement - D.J.'s most popular program! The best of high-performance techniques, motivation, and service—built on a foundation of Native wisdom.
• Tip of the Spear: Leading Your People to Victory - Designed for leaders at any level who want to strengthen their skills and build more trust, commitment, and motivation among those they lead.
• How to Build a Warrior: Creating a Force of High Achievers - For organizations that want to create winning teams by creating warriors who are inspired to action.
• Ride the Lightning: Timeless Wisdom for an Ever-Changing World - Stressed, overwhelmed? This program shows attendees how to use timeless principles to find clarity to achieve their best in a chaotic world.
• On the Razor's Edge: Staying Sharp in the 21st Century - A quarterly success program for organizations that are truly committed to making a lasting leap from "good enough" to greatness