Blackfeet/Seneca
Board President
(he/him), Northern Arapaho, Indigenous Planning Strategist, City of Seattle
Treasurer
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(she/they), Seminole, Executive Director
Lisa Fruichantie (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma) is an influential leader in Indigenous cultural stewardship, food sovereignty, and community organizing. As Executive Director of Na’ah Illahee Fund, she champions environmental justice, cultural revitalization, and economic self-determination for Native communities. With over 20 years of experience in community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy, as well as 7 years in philanthropy, Lisa is recognized for creating inclusive, community-driven solutions that center on equity and Indigenous knowledge.
Her work spans various sectors, including cultural programming, food systems, the arts, and philanthropy, where she has cultivated cross-sector partnerships, advanced social entrepreneurship, and developed strategies for sustainable growth. Previously, she served as Managing Director at Wend Collective, CEO of ALMA, and worked in Events and Development for Rainbow Center; leading initiatives such as the Soul Sessions Indigenous Chef Residency, Indigenous Futurisms Festival, and yəhaw̓ “Lifting the Sky” Indigenous Fashion Show.
Raised between Alaska, Colorado, and Oklahoma, and now based on Puyallup lands in Tacoma, Washington, Lisa’s heritage and lived experience shape her commitment to rematriation, cultural preservation, and body sovereignty. She is also Project Director for the Inchunwa Project, a Southeastern Tribal Tattoo Apprenticeship affirming Indigenous identity.
In addition to her leadership roles, Lisa is a Native fashion designer and experiential artist working under the name Transcendence, creating wearable art and immersive experiences that honor cultural identity and Indigenous futurisms.
Recognized for her leadership in racial and gender justice with the Share Fund Award and honored with the Tacoma Chamber’s Popham Award, Lisa is a trusted strategist and consultant who helps organizations build regenerative ecosystems rooted in equity and cultural sovereignty.
(she/her), Finance & Operations Director
Shannon is a nonprofit professional who is deeply committed to creating positive change in the world. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston. These educational experiences laid the foundation for her career, but it’s her continued education and certification in nonprofit leadership, change management, and mediation that have truly shaped her approach.
Over the years, Shannon has served in various roles that have allowed her to make a tangible impact in the nonprofit sector. As the Finance and Operations Manager at Fuse Washington, she was entrusted with overseeing a $3.4 million budget, ensuring smooth financial operations, and navigating the complexities of compliance.
Shannon’s time as Director of Programs at To Educate All Children (TEACH) was especially fulfilling. At TEACH, Shannon had the opportunity to craft a $3.1 million annual budget, secure significant grant funding, facilitate program evaluation with Texas A&M, and lead strategic planning initiatives to grow the organization during her eight year tenure. Witnessing TEACH partnerships grow from 6 to 25 partner schools was not just a professional achievement but a personal source of pride.
But it’s not just about numbers and budgets; it’s about people and the lives we touch. Shannon had the privilege of supervising program managers and supporting over 750 educators in the Houston Independent School district during her time at TEACH. The dedication she witnessed from these educators inspires her still today.
Shannon’s passion lies in creating meaningful, lasting change within the organizations she’s a part of. She believe in the power of empathy, resilience, and collaboration to drive positive transformation.
Iñupiaq, Administrative Assistant
Janine comes from Alaska to Washington and is eager to acclimate into the Pacific Northwest society. Her background as an Alaskan Native Inupiaq woman has shaped her as an individual from food harvesting, language and culture preservation, to instilling Indigenous knowledge to her children and those close to her. Janine has a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has focused on interpersonal, written, and nonverbal communication which are skills that she has used in multicultural environments, management, and workspaces. Janine has worked hard at creating workflow that moves smoothly between departments and enjoys team-building exercises and meeting new people. Janine supports the finance and accounting departments making sure everything is processed in a timely manner and operating efficiently.
(she/her), Swinomish/Visayan, Community Engagement and Culture Director
Shelly Vendiola, (Swinomish/Visayan) is an enrolled member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and Visayan. She has served as an educator, facilitator, activist, and peacemaker/mediator for over 30 years. Shelly co-founded the native Community Engagement and Peacemaking Project and offers consultation in the areas of community engagement and facilitation services including: leadership development, strategic planning, organization mapping, dispute resolution, interest-based negotiations and peacemaking circles throughout the country.
Currently she works as a Community Engagement & Culture Director for the Na’ah Illahee Fund, and serves on the board of the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Skagit YMCA. She continues to work in partnership with the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection, co-chairs the Protect Mother Earth Subcommittee, and is a member of the Swinomish Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Shelly developed a place-based curriculum about the history and culture of the Swinomish peoples and taught a series of cultural sovereignty courses for over 10 years at the Northwest Indian College – Coast Salish Institute within their Native Studies Leadership Program.
Previously her team provided leadership and consultation for the Lummi Cedar Project – Organized Generations Healthy Lifestyles Program. Ms. Vendiola served as President for the national Indigenous Women’s Network and a Campaign Director for the Indigenous Environmental Network. Shelly received several years of formal dispute resolution training from the Indian Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., and the San Francisco Community Boards Program. She is the recipient of the Native Action Network – Enduring Spirit Award, and a recognized educator and peacemaker in the Northwest region. Shelly has an M.Ed. in Higher Education and practices indigenous pedagogy and indigenous research methodology within all aspects of her work.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Shelly is passionate about gardening. She practices the ancient form of meditation known as Qi Gong for balance, energy, and resiliency, and is a certified Yoga instructor. Her motto is, “There is nothing permanent in the world but change, the key is how we flow with it!”
