Her Story
About Heather
Heather TePastte serves in a Portfolio Management Company with corporate offices in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has nearly two years of experience there, having joined after reaching out to contribute to a follow-up study on Native American economic development. Previously, she worked as an account executive in advertising in Grand Rapids until the onset of COVID, after which she pursued her master's degree in leadership and organizational change. She is currently completing her doctorate from the same institution. In her role, TePastte manages multiple projects, including the 2024 Michigan Non-Gaming Economic Impact Study, nominations for local business awards such as Crain's Best Places to Work, and initiatives for Native American Heritage Month. She also represents the company at events like the Pottawatomie Gathering of Nations business expo. Outside of work, she participates in the Dancing with the Local Stars charity event, which raises funds for local food banks and pantries. TePastte values humility, respect, and bravery, drawing from her company's adherence to the seven grandfather teachings.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always have a dream, like always have something that you can reach for, and something that you can look forward to, you know, like the next step.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just whatever you do in your career goals or your, like, your aspirations is just strive to do something meaningful, where you can make a difference.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We do a lot of business in the federal contracting space, and the biggest challenges that we're facing right now are the current administration's executive orders on small business administration, and the kind of the widespread kind of pending of a lot of the services that we utilize.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My company follows the seven grandfather teachings, but out of those 7 grandfather teachings, because that's kind of like a native kind of way of living. I'd say my favorite ones are humility and respect. And, bravery in the workplace.
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