Joy Persall - Executive Director 

Joy Persall is the Executive Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy, which serves Native communities, Native leaders, nonprofits and the organized field of philanthropy and is the only organization whose primary purpose is to advocate on behalf of Native people in the philanthropic sector.  Previously the Associate Director of The Headwaters Foundation for Justice, she brings leadership experience in innovative community based grantmaking programs.  Joy was instrumental in the expansion of the Fund of the Sacred Circle, and chaired a $2 million endowment campaign for the fund that supports Native American social justice projects in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  In addition, she directed the Capacity Building program at Headwaters that provided technical assistance resources for grassroots organizations, and served as a bridge between the grassroots and philanthropic communities.

Persall holds a degree in Multi-cultural Nonprofit Management and has participated in Rapport Leadership International, World Institute for Action Learning and NTL Institute Trainings.

Joy has received an Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship from the National Council of Foundations and a Windcall Residency Award.  She has served on the boards of Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action, Take Action Minnesota, The Funding Exchange, National Network for Grantmakers, Charities Review Council, and Third Millenium Philanthropy & Leadership Initiative of The Center on Philanthropy, currently serving on Indiana University's Board of Visitors.  Persall serves as Board Chair of Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center.

Joy is Ontario Aniishinabe - French Canadian, mother, grandmother, and has committed her work and life to raising awareness of issue of diversity and inclusion and working for justice and equity.  Email Joy at:  jpersall@nativephilanthropy.org

Daniel Lemm - Associate Director of Programs

Daniel Lemm is the Associate Director of Programs for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  During his tenure and through participation in NAP's Circle of Leaders program he has gained valuable experience with nonprofit, foundation, and tribal-giving programs.  Daniel was recently recognized by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, his alma mater, for his work in Native philanthropy.

Formerly the Finance Director for the Lower Sioux Indian Community and independent consultant as a Certified Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, he has proven ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures, lead staff, analyze and present information, as well as maintain a high level of organizational and personal integrity.  Daniel currently serves as the board treasurer of the Tiwahe Foundation and also serves on the boards of Ain Dah Yung and the American Indian Family Center.  Daniel has a B.S. in Business Finance and is an enrolled member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.  Email Daniel at:  dlemm@nativephilanthropy.org

Yohantus Elaine Stephens - Director of Development and Communications

Yohantus Elaine Stephens is the Director of Development for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  She began her philanthropy career as a clerical volunteer for the March of Dimes.  At the March of Dimes, she used her creative relationship-building skills to foster relationships with key corporate donors to support high-profile events such as the Tribute Salute Dinner honoring producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and Celebrity Ski Bum Tournament.  Since then Ms. Stephens has gained over 10 years experience in non-profit and philanthropic organizations in the arts, community and program development.  Working at the Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center, she co-developed and trained mediators and developed new programmatic strategic partnerships including the Native American Tribal Center and others.  Most recently, Ms. Stephens, was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Arts High Alumni Association working with three major stakeholders Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), Arts High School, and the Arts High Foundation navigating delicate political relationships to achieve multiple objectives with competing priorities. She was responsible for a wide range of development duties, including networking with corporate and individual donors including the development and production of the first Hollywood Tribute Event honoring Grammy-winner Josh Groban and Warner Brothers; an event that raised the highest and greatest number of donors and sponsors of prior year events.  Yohantus Elaine is of Hopi and Cherokee ancestry.  Email Elaine at:  yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org

Jennifer Fairbanks, Administrative Assistant Intern

Jennifer Fairbanks is an Administrative Assistant Intern for Native Americans in Philanthropy. She received her B.A. in Communication Studies from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota where she was President of the Hamline American Indian Student Society. As President, Jennifer was able to raise awareness through events of Native American issues (cultural and/or political) within the campus and surrounding community as well as function as a resource for Native American students. During her time at Hamline she also worked for the Multicultural and International Student Affairs office producing a campus newsletter. Having an interest in Journalism, Jennifer did an internship for Press Publications writing several articles for publication. Jennifer is Blackfoot and Ojibwe.

Kathy Forliti is an Administrative Assistant Intern for Native Americans in Philanthropy.  Kathy is attending Augsburg College and majoring in American Indian Studies and Education.  She is the current American Indian Student Association (AISA) President at Augsburg.  Her goal is to teach Native American cultures, traditions, and the Ojibwe language to Natives and non-Natives in the elementary education level.  Kathy is enrolled at White Earth reservation.