Marilyn Vann

Vann was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in a poor family. Her father was a Baptist deacon who emphasized the importance of hard work. From a young age, Vann knew she was of mixed African and Cherokee ancestry. Her father had received land as a member of the Cherokee Nation. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated with distinction, earning a degree in engineering. == Career ==

Vann worked for the U.S. Treasury Department in Oklahoma for 32 years. Her responsibilities involved team building, training new employees, revising government regulations and training materials, and negotiating on behalf of the government. == See also ==