Each year, Twin Cities Business releases the TCB 100, recognizing leaders across Minnesota who are shaping industries, driving innovation, and making meaningful change. The 2025 list honors CEOs, founders, philanthropists, chefs, and trailblazers whose work strengthens communities and fuels statewide growth.
We are incredibly proud to share that Anne Defot-Sido, CEO of Makwa Global, has been named to the TCB 100 list for 2025 in the category of Economic Development. Anne’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding our reach, strengthening our portfolio, and ensuring that our success drives meaningful impact for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe founded Makwa Global in 2019 to expand its federal contracting footprint and diversify revenue for the Tribe. Today, Makwa provides government agencies with IT and cybersecurity capabilities, mission advisory services, construction, and facilities support, operating in over 50 countries worldwide. Under Anne’s guidance as a growth strategy expert, Makwa Global has achieved new levels of profitability and scale. As she often notes, “It’s all about bringing money back to the Tribe,” even amid shifting federal priorities and uncertainty from DOGE.
Anne captures the heart of our approach: “With this administration, and every new administration, when we have a shift, you need to understand their priorities, you need to understand what they are saying, and where the money is going.”
Our continued momentum is also made possible through the unwavering support of the Mille Lacs Band’s Board members and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV). Their commitment to long-term economic development empowers us to grow responsibly, expand opportunities, and deliver lasting value to our tribal shareholders.
We thank the MLCV team members who attended in support of Makwa Global: Paul Sam, Jennifer Gahbow, Dustin Goslin, Nicole Sawyer, Rachel Wind, Chad Ambroday, and Robert Johnson.
"Anne’s inclusion in the TCB 100 highlights the impact of her leadership and the momentum behind Makwa Global’s growth. Every milestone we reach under her direction brings greater opportunity and lasting value to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe."
— Angela Rakow, Makwa Global, Chief Growth Officer
Congratulations to Anne and to all the leaders recognized in this year’s TCB 100. We are honored to contribute to Minnesota’s business community and to advance a mission rooted in purpose, sovereignty, and economic strength.
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