IllumiNative, the Native woman-led racial and social justice organization, announced a new executive team to lead its next phase of expansion and growth. That includes oversight of the nonprofit IllumiNative Inc. and IllumiNative Media LLC, a new media and production company.
With a commitment to amplify Native voices and narratives, IllumiNative introduces Crystal Echo Hawk as Founder & CEO, Michael Johnson as President and Angel Charley as the organization’s inaugural Executive Director. Jennifer Van der Heide has also joined the team to lead a newly established department as VP Advocacy and Engagement.
IllumiNative Inc. was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in late 2023, and the new structure of self-governance, co-management and leadership will continue to focus on research, narrative change and capacity building to strengthen Native power. As part of IllumiNative’s commitment to creating space for Native voices in mainstream media, the organization is also introducing IllumiNative Media LLC, reflecting a step toward increased representation and authentic storytelling in front of and behind the camera.
“When I started this organization in 2018, I had no idea where it would take me, but the growth and impact we’ve achieved in the last five years has surpassed my wildest expectations,” said Echo Hawk. “The creation of IllumiNative Media is a huge step for our organization and the future of Native representation, and will allow us to invest in and support Native creatives both in front of and behind the screen to raise cultural awareness and promote authentic Native storytelling. As we enter this next transformative phase, I am honored to be working alongside our exceptional leadership team and board to continue to build power for Native peoples and shape a future where our narratives are heard, respected, and celebrated.”
Said Johnson: “I am honored to join Crystal and the talented IllumiNative team as President as we embark on this journey of community directed radical movement building and the acknowledgement and celebration of self determination to increase the visibility of Native peoples. Research is IllumiNative’s DNA – it’s what the organization was founded on in 2018 and it continues to be the driving force behind our ability to create change and respond to the evolving needs of our communities, which is why we’ll be releasing brand new research this year to guide our vision for the future of our organization and the fight to build power for Native peoples.”
Added Charley: “I have deeply admired IllumiNative as an organization that stands at the forefront of advancing Native voices and narratives, and I am excited to step into the role of Executive Director to continue stewarding our mission. I look forward to working together with our dedicated team and partners to elevate Native voices and catalyze positive change on a national scale.”
IllumiNative’s first Board of Directors will play a crucial role in guiding the group’s strategic direction and ensuring the organization’s continued success. Holly Cook Macarro, Principal at The Angle, serves as Chair, and Mary Kathryn Nagle, playwright and legal counsel to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, serves as Vice Chair. Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, serves as Treasurer, and Wayne L. Ducheneaux II, Chief Advancement Officer at Intertribal Agriculture Council, serves as Secretary.
Members at Large on the Board of Directors include Bird Runningwater, Executive Producer at Cloud Woman Media; Kathy Baird, Chief Communications Officer of the Washington Post; Tilane Jones, President of Array; and Anna McMurphy, Chief People Officer of MNTN.
