From Teen Struggles to Tourism Leader: Dawnielle Tehama on Resilience, Regeneration, and Connection

In the latest episode of Business Class, I had the privilege of speaking with Dawnielle Tehama, a Senior Associate Principal at Coraggio Group and an enrolled Klamath Tribal member. Her story is nothing short of inspiring—a journey from being a homeless teenager to becoming a leader in the tourism industry, deeply rooted in her Indigenous heritage and a strong advocate for regenerative travel.

The Early Years: A Struggle for Survival

Immense challenges marked Dawnielle’s early life. As a homeless teenager, she navigated the hardships of living in the Redwood National Forest, not just surviving but also caring for her younger siblings. Despite these circumstances, she was determined to build a better life for herself and her family.

This determination led her to pursue higher education, where she initially studied federal law. However, after earning her JD, Dawnielle realized that her true passion lay not in the courtroom but in the world of travel—a decision that would lead her to where she is today.

A Career Rooted in Heritage and Empathy

As an enrolled tribal member, Dawnielle has a profound understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, particularly in the tourism sector. She transitioned from law to tourism because she wanted to be on the ground, helping communities—especially those that are often overlooked or misunderstood—navigate the complex relationship between cultural preservation and economic development.

Dawnielle’s work is guided by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to ensuring that Indigenous communities are treated with the respect they deserve. She emphasizes that when working with tribal nations, it’s not just a partnership—it’s a government-to-government relationship. This understanding is crucial for anyone involved in destination management or tourism, as it shapes how we engage with and support Indigenous communities.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is at the heart of everything Dawnielle does. Whether she’s connecting visitors to a place or helping communities protect their cultural heritage, she believes that stories are essential for understanding and preserving what makes each destination unique.

During our conversation, Dawnielle shared how her dual experiences in tribal and mainstream tourism allow her to bridge gaps and create connections. Her work is not just about promoting a destination—it’s about ensuring that the stories of the people and the land are told in a way that honors their past and protects their future.

Regenerative Travel: Looking Seven Generations Ahead

Dawnielle is a strong advocate for regenerative travel, a concept deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures. Unlike sustainability, which often focuses on maintaining the status quo, regenerative travel aims to leave places better than we found them. It’s about thinking seven generations ahead and understanding that the choices we make today will impact the future.

She shared that in her work, whether it’s developing destination plans or advising on community engagement strategies, she always keeps this long-term perspective in mind. It’s not just about attracting visitors—it’s about fostering vibrant, resilient communities that can thrive for generations to come.

A Mother’s Influence: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders

As a mother of two daughters, Dawnielle’s journey is as inspiring as her professional one. She spoke about the challenges she faced raising her children as a single mother and the lessons she hopes to pass on to them—lessons of resilience, empathy, and leadership.

She shared that Dawnielle’s daughters embody different aspects of her personality. One is quiet and reflective, while the other is bold and unafraid. Both, however, are being raised with the values that have guided Dawnielle’s own life: the importance of education, the power of empathy, and the belief that you can overcome any obstacle if you keep pushing forward.

A Holistic Approach to Leadership

What stands out most about Dawnielle is her holistic approach to leadership. She doesn’t just focus on one aspect of a community or a problem; she looks at the whole picture, considering economic, environmental, cultural, and social factors. This approach allows her to create strategies that are not only effective but also sustainable and regenerative.

Dawnielle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of cultural preservation, and the impact that one person can have on an entire industry. Her work reminds us that tourism is not just about destinations—it’s about people, stories, and the connections that bind us all together.

Final Thoughts

Dawnielle Tehama’s journey from a homeless teenager to a leader in the tourism industry is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through determination, empathy, and a deep connection to one’s roots. Her work in promoting regenerative travel and her commitment to cultural preservation offer valuable lessons for anyone involved in tourism or community development.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Dawnielle's principles—respect for Indigenous communities, a focus on long-term impact, and the power of storytelling—will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry. I encourage you to listen to our full conversation on the Business Class podcast and learn more about how Dawnielle is making a difference in the world of tourism.

If you enjoyed this blog post and want to hear more from Dawnielle Tehama, you can find her full interview on the Business Class podcast, available on all major streaming platforms.