Nina Amos
Nina Amos is a seasoned technology professional and respected nonprofit leader with more than four decades of experience in information technology and over 30 years specializing in systems development, project management, and data architecture. With deep expertise spanning SQL development, ERP systems, database administration, and IT quality assurance, she has built a career defined by technical excellence and a commitment to continuous learning. Her work has included application development, technical training, and IT security analysis, along with published contributions in the field, reflecting both her knowledge and dedication to advancing technology practices.
Alongside her accomplished IT career, Nina has made a profound impact as a leader and historian through her work with the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association of the Buffalo Soldiers. A member since 2006, she has held numerous leadership roles, including National Secretary, Executive Director, and the first female Black Vice President in the organization’s history. In 2023, she made history once again as the first woman elected National President in the association’s more than 160-year legacy. In this role, she leads national initiatives, organizes major events and educational programs, and works to preserve and elevate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers through storytelling, recognition, and community engagement.
Nina’s passion for this work is deeply personal, rooted in her heritage as a direct descendant of a Buffalo Soldier. She has championed youth engagement through the Junior Buffalo Soldiers program and established the organization’s Military History Awards to honor individuals dedicated to preserving this important history. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, she is an entrepreneur and business owner, leading multiple ventures in IT services and construction supply. Across every aspect of her career, Nina is guided by a commitment to integrity, education, and service—ensuring that both technological innovation and historical legacy continue to inspire future generations.
• Trinidad State Jr. College- A.A.S.
• University of Denver
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• First Female Black President of the Buffalo Soldiers Association in 160 years
• Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association
• Cherokee Nation of Indians
• Greater Denver Colorado Chapter Bufflao Soldiers
• Youth organizations and youth activities
• Military history education programs
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a good leader and listening to people, having integrity, caring about people, and understanding who people actually are. I don't let everybody take us for granted or have an advantage. I'm not ashamed to tell people who we actually are and what we actually do, and I have pride in my heritage and in my faith. Being able to listen and have integrity makes a big difference. It's about treating others as you would want to be treated.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Listen. Hear what people actually say. Don't respond, but reflect on the thoughts and the things that people actually tell you, and they'll take you a long way if you listen, but you gotta be able to listen to what people are saying. And then have integrity. You gotta have integrity. Integrity will take you places where nowhere else will be able to take you. You have great integrity, you can do a whole lot of things, because it takes you places that you never thought you'd ever be able to go.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to truly listen, lead with integrity, care for and understand people, and always treat others the way you would want to be treated.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities and challenges in my field is ensuring the history of the Buffalo Soldiers remains visible and remembered, while expanding military history education, engaging younger generations, and positioning the association as a leading and influential voice in preserving that legacy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Travel is very important to me. I like to travel and I've traveled all over the world. I've been to almost every continent at least once, and I've traveled all over the United States of America. I'm a world traveler, and I think that's part of my education and my heritage. One thing that is very important to me is that I'm actually a registered Cherokee Indian with the Cherokee Nation of Indians. My family is part of the Cherokee Nation. My grandparents, my ancestors actually came up with the Cherokee Indians from on the Trail of Tears all the way up into Oklahoma, so I'm actually part of that association as well. It's deep in our faith, and faith in God is where everything comes from for me.