TCC Student Among First to Receive Inaugural Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship

Meredith Good Voice-Birdcreek, a single mother of five, chose to pursue a college education while balancing a full-time job and family life. Her hard work earned her a $5,000 scholarship from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s inaugural Aristocrat Cokv Hecv Honors Program. Passionate about community service, Good Voice-Birdcreek is dedicated to helping others in her Tribe achieve self-sufficiency.

Meredith Good Voice-Birdcreek’s path to Tulsa Community College was far from conventional. After high school, she entered the workforce dedicating herself to the fast-paced demands of the casino industry. But as her family grew, she felt compelled to make a change.

"By the time I had my youngest child, I realized I couldn’t keep doing this schedule. I’ve got to do something different," she says.

A single mother of five children ranging from 6 to 16 years old, Good Voice-Birdcreek made the courageous decision to prioritize her education. She chose TCC for its flexible online programs that allow her to balance working full-time, pursuing her degree, and being present for her children.

Recognized for Leadership

In Fall 2024, her hard work was recognized when the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation announced Good Voice-Birdcreek as one of 10 outstanding scholars selected for its inaugural Aristocrat Cokv Hecv Honors Program. The award honors scholars who demonstrate commitment to tribal leadership, community service, academic excellence, and embody the values of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Good Voice-Birdcreek earned a $5,000 scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.

“When I found out I won the scholarship, I felt so blessed. I’m used to doing things on my own. I’ve been independent since I was 17. So, being chosen for the scholarship made me feel very honored,” she says.

The Aristocrat Cokv Hecv Honors Program scholarship required Good Voice-Birdcreek to write an essay about a personal influence in her life—she chose her late stepfather. A fluent Muscogee speaker, he taught her tribal traditions and instilled in her a strong sense of cultural pride.

“He raised me like I was his own, and his guidance has been a huge part of who I am today,” she remembers. “He taught me to value my heritage and to carry it forward.”

Community Advocate and Committee Leader

Good Voice-Birdcreek remains involved in her Tribe today. She serves as the Policy and Grants Manager for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's Office of Child Support, where she’s risen through the ranks from a receptionist position.

Through her role, Good Voice-Birdcreek works to increase access to resources and to  educate the community about available services. She is active on several committees, including the Community Outreach committee, the Oklahoma Tribal Child Support Association conference committee, and the Child Support Awareness committee.

“I’m very passionate about my job. One of my goals within my office is to promote self-sufficiency. So, what can we do to help you meet your financial goals? I try to connect them to resources within the Nation that can help them,” says Good Voice-Birdcreek.

Good Voice-Birdcreek says her academic journey will continue after she completes her associate’s degree at TCC. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and eventually attend law school.

Her message to others balancing family, work, and education is simple: “If you think it’s impossible to work, raise a family, and go to school, just know it’s not. You set your mind to it, and you do what you need to do.”