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Native American Jump Start added two new employees in 2024. Caroline Gearing and Wicahpi Cikala Chaddlesone-Yankton joined the team in February 2024 and August 2024 respectively. With the additions of these roles, NAJS can reach more young high potential Native students and foster more tangible impact in the Jackson community.

Caroline Gearing joined NAJS in February 2024, initially focusing on donor management. By June of the same year, she was welcomed into a permanent role, taking charge of donor development, stewardship, and marketing initiatives. Previously, Caroline served as the Fundraising Programs Coordinator for the USA Triathlon Foundation, where she managed nationwide revenue-generating events and programs. During her tenure, she successfully generated over $300K in value-in-kind support and fostered strong relationships with partners and high-net-worth donors, contributing significantly to the Foundation’s growth.

A graduate of Queens University of Charlotte with her undergraduate degree in Sports Business, Caroline was a standout student-athlete on the Women’s Triathlon Team, serving as team captain and winning three DII National Championships. Along with her role at NAJS, Caroline coaches at a local CrossFit gym and with the NCAA triathlon program at Lenoir Rhyne University. Caroline resides in North Carolina with her husband, Matthew and 3-year-old son, Michael.

Wicahpi Cikala Chaddlesone-Yankton is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She is originally from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Wicahpi went to Red Cloud Indian High School (2016-2020) on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Wicahpi recently graduated in May 2024 from Bridgewater State University (BSU) located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She earned her B.A in Political Science: International Affairs and two minors in Integrated Communication and English. Wicahpi is currently living in Fall River, Massachusetts with her partner Cameron and their rescue cats, Sunday & Justice.

Wicahpi was a recipient of the Native American Jump Start Grant multiple times. The NAJS grant aided during her undergraduate education. During her undergraduate studies, she enjoyed collaborating with fellow students. She could be found often helping first-year students with directions on their first day of classes. Wicahpi was excited to hear that NAJS was hiring. Seeing this as an opportunity to help other Native American students navigate the same obstacles that she too had faced.