Winona LaDuke:

"We are the ancestors of the future."

I am Oglala and Sicangu from the Titunwan Oyate of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). I grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, where my passion for business, Native studies, and making an impact in my communities started. In the fall of 2019, I began developing my sage-infused coffee company, Wakhályapí, formerly known as 'Exhilarating Coffee,’ then ‘Pejihota’ (sage). I launched the company in 2021 at Fort Lewis College, leveraging various business plan competitions, collaborative projects, and vendor opportunities.

Since 2021, I have been actively involved with the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) chapter at Fort Lewis College, initially as a business owner and then as an executive officer. I progressed from Vice Chair of Fundraising to Vice President of Outreach and am now serving my second year as President.

Currently, I am a senior at Fort Lewis College, soon to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business, along with a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies May 3rd, 2025.

I thank you for your interest in looking at my portfolio. Please feel free to contact me with questions, insights, and opportunities to work!