By Robert L. Doore
LLI Board Member
President & CEO, Chief Mountain Sports & Consulting
As we celebrate the power of Indigenous leadership during Native American Heritage Month, I take pride in my lineage of strong Indigenous women and the profound lessons they have passed down through generations in my family. Their wisdom, resilience, and love have shaped not only my path but also my commitment to leading with purpose.
My grandmothers, Cynthia “Good Leader” and Belle Alvarez, are the roots of my strength and pride. They embodied a powerful fusion of Indigenous and Latino heritage, teaching leadership grounded in our cultural pillars: Humility, Respect, and the Value of Relationships. My mother, Darnell “Lone Camper,” carried these lessons forward, showing me the power of love, unwavering support, and the relentless drive to persevere.
Doore continues take pride in his lineage of strong women.
Recently, as I reflected on the stories that shaped me, one memory stood out:
I was 9 years old at a Regional AAU Cross Country meet, frozen with fear. I was on the verge of disqualification, and if I didn’t finish, my team wouldn’t advance to Nationals. Overwhelmed, tears streamed down my face. That’s when I heard my mother’s voice: “Come on, let’s finish this together.”
She climbed into a golf cart and followed me, encouraging me every step of the way. I crossed the finish line dead last—but I finished. That day, I learned three lessons that would guide me forever:
- Never Quit
- Support is Vital
- A Mother’s Love is Relentlessly Powerful
Doore and his mother following in golf cart.
As I ascended in my career to become one of the highest-ranking Indigenous leaders in both the NFL and the Corporate world, I have always led with these life lessons and cultural values. You see we come from a people of survivors and my grandmother used to say, “Don’t waste the miracle…”.
We recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, and as Native American Heritage Month draws to a close this November, I am reminded of what that “miracle” truly is: We are still here.
Doore wearing traditional regalia for Native American Heritage Month recognition at NFL stadium.
We are thriving, creating, leading, and making an impact together. We carry the teachings, values, and resilience of our ancestors in our very DNA, empowering us to compete at the highest levels and drive meaningful change for the next seven generations.
Our leadership extends far beyond a single month of recognition; we are generational leaders, shaped by powerful role models who taught us to build a future where our children can stand even stronger than we ever could.
We. Rise. Together.
Doore’s mother Darnell (“Lone Camper”) hugging one of her many babies.
About Robert L. Doore: Robert L. Doore, a former NFL executive, holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Native American at any NFL club since Jim Thorpe served as NFL President in 1920. A motivated and charismatic business leader, Robert’s leadership style emphasizes team strengths and a deep passion for driving meaningful impact. Learn more here.
