Join us as we honor National Native American Heritage Month, and take a moment to get to know Janean Gardner, President of e&e Technical Consultants, a little better. Janean has over 15 years of experience as a sales manager, consultant, and staff augmentation specialist, with a proven track record of managing various operations for national personnel and operational support. She is also a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, and her native name is Running Waters.
A Strong Family Bond
When asked about her family, Janean shared that, “Growing up as an only child of a single parent, I was fortunate to never experience loneliness… my mother purchased a home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, directly across the street from my aunt, uncle, and my six cousins. This arrangement provided me with the unique privilege of growing up as an only child while benefiting from the presence and guidance of six older siblings who played a significant role in my upbringing, particularly when my mother was at work. The foundation of our strong family bond was rooted in faith, unwavering family values, and boundless love. To date, my lovely aunt and uncle have 19 grandkids, and they remain committed to the tradition of hosting weekly Sunday dinners.”
Relentless Drive and a Competitive Spirit
Janean noted that people frequently inquire about the origins of her relentless drive and competitive spirit. “Growing up, we were the only people of color in our neighborhood, so we didn’t have an option to fail. Our parents, deeply committed to imparting values of honesty, integrity, hard work, dedication, and persistence, laid the foundation of our individual journeys. Within our family, a natural competitive spirit emerged, propelling each of us to excel in our respective careers.” Familiar with performing at the highest level, Janean was a Division I Athlete at the University of Pittsburgh, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In addition to her leadership at e&e Technical Consultants, she is a Board Member of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC).
Honoring Her Heritage
“Every year, our family travels near and far to participate in our annual Wampanoag Tribal Pow Wow, a cherished tradition held on our ancestral Reservation in Mashpee, located in the heart of Cape Cod, Massachusetts,” said Janean. “These gatherings are rich in vibrant music, dancing, and sacred rituals that pay homage to our ancestors. There is a spiritual sense when I enter our tribal grounds. Perhaps it’s the seawater, pine trees, or the sage, but there is something in the air that gives me an intense feeling of belonging and a true sense of home.”
About the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
“The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has inhabited present day Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. After an arduous process lasting more than three decades, the Mashpee Wampanoag were re-acknowledged as a federally recognized tribe in 2007. In 2015, the federal government declared 150 acres of land in Mashpee and 170 acres of land in Taunton as the Tribe’s initial reservation, on which the Tribe can exercise its full tribal sovereignty rights. The Mashpee tribe currently has approximately 2,600 enrolled citizens.” (from mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov)
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- Janean beading the creation of a new wampum belt.
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- Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Celebrates 102nd Annual Powwow.
e&e Technical Consultants, LLC provides best-in-class Information Technology staffing services and solutions. A minority-owned business entity (MBE) headquartered in eastern Pennsylvania, the company serves state and federal government agencies as well as large commercial accounts. Whether you are a professional searching for work or an industry leader looking to hire technical expertise, e&e is the partner you can trust to take your business or career to the next level.