Rita Peterson

Rita Peterson

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Phone:715-699-4484
Address:White Earth Reservation Mahnomen, MN

PROFILE

Rita Peterson runs a woman-owned, Native America –owned, HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) – certified engineering services company serving the Department of Defense domestically, around the globe, and even into space. Caribou Thunder is headquartered currently on the Lac Courte d’Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Rita is an energetic and motivational leader and identifies through the understanding of her client’s objectives and their environment with proven processes with an exceptional team to deliver results.

Since she started the business 14 years ago she was honored in 2015 with the HUBZone Owner of the Year by the Small Business Administration and recognized for her outstanding service to the Native American community — including STEM educational outreach initiatives.

“The award is definitely an honor, and I credit our strong commitment to service, and that of our partners,” says Peterson. “Commitment and partnership are really at the heart of our business.”

In 2000 Peterson started a company specializing in IT consulting placements. That led to an introduction to Lockheed Martin, which in turn led Peterson to become founder, owner and CEO of Caribou Thunder. The company has gained an international reputation for its engineering expertise working alongside industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, supporting defense programs domestically and globally.

On a typical day, Peterson’s company manages over 100 engineers that are highly trained in technologies including cyber security, command and control systems, surveillance, underwater programs, and ground-to-air defense systems, as well as data distribution from NASA Earth observing satellites. Their classified work takes place in 29 states as well as in countries from the Middle East to Asia and Europe. “If you work really hard, eventually you will find yourself surrounded by other people who work just as hard. It can be a wonderful thing to be aligned with the right people who are willing to show up for you,” says Peterson. “And we have terrific customers with strong diversity programs, which I believe really makes a difference.”

Just as gratifying, this CEO has dedicated herself to helping others achieve that goal. Caribou Thunder sponsors STEM-related scholarships for White Earth Reservation elementary school students to go to NASA Space Camp, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral AISES scholarships. “I didn’t have anyone to recognize my abilities when I was growing up, and I want young people to have that,” she explains. “We want to see Native kids graduate with high school diplomas.”

The company has also extended financial “scholarships” to small businesses and advised in their development and growth. “We want to generate interest in — and passion for — STEM careers,” says Peterson, a Sequoyah Fellow who cofounded the North Star AISES Alliance and Professional Chapter with Dr. Mark Bellcourt.

“It has to start with you,” she adds. “Never let somebody tell you what you can and cannot be. Not every day is going to be easy, and some days might be very hard — and that’s when attitude can make all the difference. It certainly has for me.”

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