Staff

Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Shaina is deeply rooted in her Lakota heritage and community. A fluent speaker of the Lakota language, she is dedicated to preserving and promoting her culture through education, leadership, advocacy, and service.

A Gates Millennium Scholar and CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholar, Shaina brings a strong academic foundation in Biology and Chemistry. She recently received her Associate of Arts in Tribal Law and is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.

With experience working across tribal, state, and federal systems, Shaina offers a deep understanding of intergovernmental collaboration and policy development. She is passionate about building partnerships with Tribal Nations, Native-led nonprofits, and community foundations to strengthen relationships, expand equitable funding opportunities, and advance sustainable, community-driven development in Native communities.