Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Renee Ellis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Renee, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I am Renee Ellis, and my life’s journey has been a remarkable tapestry of resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of personal and professional growth. It all began on the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona, where I was born as the first child of my parents’ second marriage. My family includes four siblings, with varying age differences, including an older brother, Rodney, from my mom’s first marriage, and two younger siblings, Jordan and Rachel-Lynn. To provide you with some context regarding the age difference between my parents, my father and I share the same birthday month, and we often celebrated our birthdays together. In fact, he turned 60 when I celebrated my sixth birthday.
My early years were spent immersed in the culturally rich Navajo community, where I developed a deep connection to my Diné heritage. However, a unique challenge presented itself early in my life—I began my education without fluency in the English language. At the age of 3, I embarked on my educational journey at a local community school near my grandmother’s home in Southern Utah. My grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping my early years, fostering an environment that celebrated both Navajo and American cultures. These formative experiences would later become a source of strength and inspiration.
By the age of 7, I transitioned to live closer to my father’s family while continuing my education. However, my educational journey took an extraordinary turn when I entered high school at the age of 12. Against the odds, I graduated from Richfield High School, an Indian Residential School located over 500 miles away from home, showcasing my determination and resilience.
As I entered adulthood, I made a bold decision to seek emancipation after high school. Fueled by a thirst for adventure and a desire to attend college in San Diego, California, I set off on a journey that would define my early adult years. During this time:
• I enrolled in the San Diego Job Corps for 2.5 years, where I earned my Welding Certification and collaborated with the Welding Trade Men Association, working at the Navy Ship Building Yards.
• I faced a challenging period in my life when I became entangled in an unhealthy relationship marked by raves, parties, drug use, and sexual exploitation. Overcoming this dark chapter required immense strength and determination. Eventually, I reached out to my parents for help, waiting at a payphone for 32 hours until my dad found me. This marked a turning point, and with the support of my family, I embarked on a path to recovery and sobriety.
In February 2000, I returned home to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, where I vividly remember the physical agony of withdrawals and the unconditional love and support my parents provided during my recovery, which lasted four months.
From 2000 to 2007, I resided in various Arizona cities, including Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Scottsdale. During this time, I pursued an Electrical Technician certification and joined the Electrical Union (IBEW), where I completed a union apprenticeship. The events of 9/11 left an indelible mark on this period of my life.
In October 2003, I began a five-year stint working in a casino, primarily in surveillance. During this time, I made the life-changing decision to quit smoking to prepare my body for pregnancy. This decision led me to undergo in-vitro fertilization, a journey that came with its own set of challenges, including the search for a suitable donor. At the age of 27, I joyously welcomed my son, Samuel Adrian Ellis, into the world, marking the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
I continued to diversify my career by serving as a Casino Regulatory Agent and Investigative Officer within the Pima Maricopa Indian Community. I also ventured into private investigation as a side job, all while holding a position as a Correctional Support Officer at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department. My dedication led me to complete the Correction Officer Training Academy and become a certified State Law Enforcement Officer in Arizona.
In 2007, I embarked on a new journey, working as a Community Educator and Cessation Advocate at the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health. This role took me to Flagstaff and Winslow, Arizona, as I advocated for non-smoking public facilities and delivered bilingual presentations to community organizations and Navajo Nation members. My two-year tenure at the nonprofit came to an end when funding from the grant I was hired under ran out.
In 2010, I moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, to attend United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) as a full-time student and single parent to my 3-year-old son. I simultaneously worked full-time as a Correctional Officer at the North Dakota Department of Corrections. During this period, I earned my Associate of Criminal Justice degree.
Life took me to South Dakota from 2013 to 2016, where I worked in the federal wing of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. It was a time of growth and learning, and I continued my work as a Correctional Officer.
In 2016, I experienced a significant personal challenge when I married and divorced within the same year in Sheldon, Iowa. The marriage ended due to physical abuse inflicted on my son, which became apparent through video and physical evidence. Despite being gaslit, I realized the necessity of removing us from an unsafe environment.
I briefly returned to Arizona due to my parents’ struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, which took a rapid toll on their health. My father passed away in October 2017 at the age of 92.
My journey continued in North Dakota, where I worked at the Traverse County Sheriff’s Department Detention Center as a Correctional Officer. It was during this time that I confronted my own mental health challenges and recognized the burnout associated with working in law enforcement. Consequently, I made the difficult decision to resign.
From 2017 to 2019, I worked as a yard worker at the MinnDak sugar beet processing plant in North Dakota, taking on an entirely different role outside the realm of law enforcement.
In 2019, I moved to Barnesville, Minnesota, and it was there that I met my now-wife, Ashley Flemmer. Our relationship brought love and support into my life, adding a new dimension to my journey of personal growth.
However, life took another challenging turn in 2020 when my mother passed away due to Covid-19 at the age of 70. The loss of both my parents was a profound moment of grief and reflection.
In 2021, I made the decision to move to Moorhead, Minnesota, and embarked on a new venture as an Uber driver. It was during this time that I also registered my own LLC and obtained a Federal EIN. This entrepreneurial step marked a new chapter in my life.
Through all the highs and lows, I am continually reminded to strive to be the best person I can be. My life’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of personal and professional growth. Today, I stand as a visionary leader, committed to positive change, innovation, and community empowerment. My story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with determination, one can overcome challenges and achieve success, regardless of their background or the obstacles they face.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder and operator of Ellis Transit, LLC. Ellis Transit, LLC is an indigenous, woman owned small business. Renee, together with her wife, Ashley ensure the smooth operation of the company. Ellis Transit, LLC is your premier transportation company specializing in personalized passenger services. With a focus on individualized experiences, competitive pricing, and a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, we guarantee safe, reliable travel.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were my resilience, my sense of determination, and my constant pursuit of personal and professional growth.
The advice I have to share is surround yourself with people who believe in you, give you honest feedback, and encourage you to better yourself in order to achieve success.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth in the last 12 months has been being able to be part of Emerging Prairie Founder’s Retreat, ILT Lean Canvas, and ILT Advanced Cohort, and Startup brew. This has immensely set me up with skills I need to be a more effective business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ridewithellis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellistransitllc/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllisTransitLLC?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/renee-ellis-413752240
- Other: E-mail: Renee@ridewithellis.com Phone: 218-443-4171
Image Credits
All Photos are Property of Ellis Transit, LLC.
