We Are Building a Native Legacy

Dave has been involved with NAJS for more than 20 years in a variety of capacities. He has over 15 years of professional experience in nonprofit leadership. He is involved with and supports NAJS because he believes that by providing access and breaking down barriers, positive educational and employment experiences can positively impact a community.

Caroline 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. Her responsibilities included logistics planning, donor management and providing on-site support for various events, from triathlon training camps to high-profile donor galas. 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. At other times sharing stories with her college friends. Wicahpi knew that after she graduated from BSU, she wanted to find a job that would allow her to help others. She was taught by her family that our role in this world is to help anyone in need.

Wicahpi was excited to hear that NAJS was hiring. She did not hesitate and applied right away. Seeing this as an opportunity to help other Native American students navigate the same obstacles that she too had faced. She could find no better fitting way than to work for the same organization that helped her during crucial years of her education… College may be over for her, for now…Yet this is only the beginning of another exciting chapter for Wicahpi on the horizon.