Colista Matsaw

A seasoned professional with a rich background in hospitality management, marketing, and small business development. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Casino Management and an MBA with a specialization in Marketing, Colista has amassed over two decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality sector. For two years after taking a break from gaming and hospitality, Colista had served as the Statewide Business Advisor at the Idaho Women’s Business Center, where she has been instrumental in guiding small business owners through the intricacies of business and marketing planning. Her expertise extends to providing valuable insights into accessing capital for their ventures. During her tenure, Colista also played a pivotal role in establishing Idaho Rez Rising, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in indigenous communities. After her role at the Idaho Women’s Business Center, Colista collaborated with the Oweesta Corporation, a National Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) intermediary. As the Programs Coordinator, she demonstrated exceptional organizational skills by managing program logistics for the entire team. Colista’s role also involved co-facilitating sessions, where she shared her expertise and facilitated meaningful discussions on community development and financial empowerment. With a passion for supporting small businesses and underserved communities, Colista Matsaw is committed to making a positive impact through her work in business development and community empowerment.

Author: Jonelle Yearout