Madonna Yawakie

Madonna Yawakie

President, Turtle Island Communications, Inc. (TICOM)

Biography

Madonna founded TICOM to provide telecommunication engineering and technical consulting services to Tribal Nations. TICOM works with their clients to develop and implement broadband systems that meet federal broadband standards for rural and remote high cost service areas. TICOM provides engineering, project management, construction management, and financial consulting and has successfully implemented the following projects:

- The first 100% tribally owned and ETC Designated Commercial Wireless System in the Nation
- The first 100% tribally owned Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) Network that provides 1 gigabit capacity to all residents and businesses within its tribal lands.

TICOM’s work contributes to closing the digital divide in Indian Country, and increasing broadband access to enhance economic, education, public safety, and healthcare opportunities for those living and working on tribal lands.

Madonna’s career in the Telecommunication Industry began in 1991 and includes positions in Operations, Marketing and Project Management for both a Regional Carrier, and an Engineering Firm that supported the Rural Telecommunication industry. She has contributed to the FCC’s Telecom/Broadband Policies for Tribal Nations.

She holds a B.S. in Business Administration, and a Masters in Community & Regional Planning from NDSU. She is a Citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.