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NIWRC Elects Shayna Gutierrez and Lacey Wind to Board of Directors

Native women leaders bring new voices and experience in Tribal health, advocacy, partnerships, and resource development

LAME DEER, Mont. — The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) has elected Shayna Gutierrez, a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Lacey Wind, an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, to its Board of Directors.

Gutierrez and Wind join a Board rooted in decades of leadership in the movement for the safety of Native women, bringing new perspectives and experience working with Tribal Nations and Native communities across health, advocacy, partnerships, and resource development.

“NIWRC’s Board carries generations of knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the safety of Native women and communities,” said Lucy Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of NIWRC. “We are fortunate to have women who have helped shape this movement over decades, alongside new voices bringing their own experiences, relationships, and ideas to the work. Shayna and Lacey strengthen that circle of leadership, and we are grateful to have them helping guide NIWRC forward.”

Shayna Gutierrez brings more than 15 years of experience in Tribal fundraising, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and resource development across Indian Country. She currently serves as Director of Tribal Engagement at Giizhik Consulting, where she builds partnerships among Tribal communities, Native-led organizations, and philanthropic and corporate partners.

Previously, Gutierrez served with GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Energy Alternatives, IllumiNative, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). Throughout her career, she has worked to connect Native communities with resources and opportunities while honoring Tribal sovereignty, Indigenous leadership, and community-led solutions.

Lacey Wind, MSW, LCSW, Blue Wing Woman (Ota’taveenova’e), was raised in Busby, Montana, and currently serves as Vice President of Tribal Health Programs at the National Indian Health Board. A licensed clinical social worker, Wind began her career providing direct clinical care before moving into broader work across behavioral and public health, Tribal sovereignty, health equity, and national advocacy.

Wind has also served on Montana’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission. Her work is grounded in the understanding that the health and safety of Native women are inseparable from the health of Native families, communities, and Nations.

Gutierrez and Wind join fellow Board members tai simpson, chair; Carmen O’Leary, Vice Chair; Leanne Guy, Secretary; Brandi Liberty, Treasurer; Christie Modlin; Linda Thompson; and Chantel Greene.

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About the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) provides national leadership to promote safety for Native women and communities through traditional, community-driven grassroots advocacy. NIWRC works to increase the capacity of Tribal Nations, Tribal programs, and Native communities, including Native Hawaiian communities, to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, family, and dating violence.