Who I am
I’m Mary Belle Zook, a Tribal agricultural communications professional, award-winning journalist, strategist, mother, and proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. I believe good communications goes beyond informing: it should build trust, inspire action, and stand the test of time.
With 18+ years of experience in media and communications, I work at the intersection of Tribal sovereignty, agriculture, nonprofit leadership, and public engagement. My focus is on collaborative storytelling, strategic campaigns, and practical communications that help organizations and professionals communicate more clearly and persuasively through practical strategies, real-world case studies, and thoughtful insights
I’ve built communications teams from the ground up, led national media efforts, and managed projects that bring together Tribal leaders, nonprofit partners, and federal stakeholders. My approach is simple: start with the audience, clarify the goal, and make it easy for people to act.
Explore my resources, insights, and practical tips to help your organization achieve its communications and media goals.
Work & Media
I currently serve in a professional communications role and share these reflections in my personal capacity. If you’d like to stay connected, I welcome networking on LinkedIn.
Speaking, Media & Publications
Media:
Speaking Engagements:
Work Examples
Selected projects I’ve led or contributed to across communications, strategy, and storytelling —often in close collaboration with partners and communities.
Features:
Remembering Impactful Potawatomi Women during Women’s History Month - Hownikan
Choctaw Fresh Produce Aims to Build Community and Economy - Native Business Magazine
Cheekbone Beauty Goes Beyond Cosmetic Appeal - Native Business Magazine
Santa Ana Diversifies Agricultural Investment with Wine Enterprise - Native Business Magazine
Expanding “638” to Enhance Native American Food Sovereignty - Chicago Council on Global Affairs
2018 Farm Bill, Impact on Citizen Potawatomi - Native Business Magazine
Cultivating Tribal Governance through Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code
Press Releases & News:
Congressional Hearing Highlights Tribal Food Delivery Disruptions - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative; National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Scientific Report Provides Historic Inclusion of Indigenous Nutritional Needs - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
USDA Office of Tribal Relations Celebrates Decade of Service - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Warehouse delays impacting food package deliveries to Indian Country - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative & National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative; National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations
IFAI’s Meagen Baldy appointed to inaugural USDA Tribal Advisory Committee - Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Podcasts:
Graphic Design & Data Visualization:
Photography
Awards
NextGen 30u30 - 2019
First Place - General Excellence - Native American Journalist Association (Now IJA) - 2019
Second Place - Best News Story - Native American Journalists Association (Now IJA) - 2019
First Place - Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - 2020
Second Place - Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - 2020
Third Place - Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - 2020
Second Place - Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - 2021
First Place - Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists 2021
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Communications, Oklahoma State University
Current M.S. student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, with expected graduation summer 2026.
Certifications
Certified Digital Marketing Professional
Level II Media Monitoring - Meltwater
Migwetch (Thank you) for reading. If you’d like to stay connected, find me on LinkedIn. Click the link below!
Contact me
Interested in working together? Fill out some info, and I will be in touch shortly. Looking forward to hearing from you!