Ten outstanding Native American professionals are joining the seventh Leadership Summit cohort at the 2025 NAFOA Finance and Tribal Economies Conference.
The 2025 class brings emerging young leaders recognized for their proven leadership, professional achievements, and dedication to finance, accounting, business, and Tribal economic development policy. Each participant shares a commitment to strengthening economic prosperity in Indian Country.
As part of the program, participants will connect with Tribal leaders, engage with industry executives and policymakers, and sharpen their understanding of finance and economic development. The Summit will take place on September 21, preceding the 2025 NAFOA Finance and Tribal Economies Conference on September 22–23.
The Leadership Summit is part of NAFOA’s ongoing work to strengthen Tribal economies by fostering leadership in financial and business sectors across Indian Country.
Ariella Apodaca
Navajo Nation
MBA, Marketing, Post University
“I’m looking forward to learning directly from Indigenous professionals who are creating meaningful change in their communities through finance, governance, and business.”
Chillie Bills
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
BS, Accounting/Finance, Oklahoma State University
“I am excited to meet peers that share an interest in Tribal Finance.”
Izabella Cloud
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
MLS, Indigenous Peoples Law, University of Oklahoma
“I’m looking forward to hearing how others are serving their communities and growing in their own paths. It’s inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by peers who are committed to making a difference.”
Maximillian Frye
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes
BBA, International Business-Marketing, University of Georgia
“[I am excited for] meeting Native leaders and youth making a difference. Getting to learn from each other would be an absolute highlight for me.”
Ashley Hamilton
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
AB, Harvard College; JD, University of Michigan
“[I am most excited] to meet and learn from business experts and Tribal leaders about next steps after completing graduate school.”
Joelnell Momberg
Blackfeet Nation
BS, Business Administration, University of Montana Western
“The opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators during the Summit and the NAFOA Annual Conference that follows will help me grow as a leader and create partnerships that can amplify the impact of our work on the Rocky Boy Reservation and beyond.”
Makayla Richardson
Haliwa-Saponi Tribe
MBA, Business Analytics, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
“I am most excited to connect with fellow young American Indian finance professionals from across Turtle Island and build meaningful relationships that support our shared goals in Tribal economic development.”
Colby Robinson
Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
BS, Business Management, McNeese State University
“I am excited to learn more about Tribal government and how the new policies in place will work for Indian country.”
Sasha Strong
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
BS, Finance, University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management
“I’m eager to connect with Native professionals who have pursued graduate programs and certifications like the CPA. I’m especially looking forward to learning from others who are using finance as a tool to uplift Tribal communities.”
Cayman Watkins
Chickasaw Nation
MS Business Analytics, University of Oklahoma
“[I am most excited for] the opportunity to meet new people who share similar experiences and interests.”
Thank You to Our Leadership Summit Donors
