ervina grace castilleo, Operations manager

Ervina Grace Castillo is a Diné professional and the Operator of E. Grace & Associates, where she provides operational and strategic support to nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies. Her work spans operations management, marketing, project management, human resources, accounting, business research and development, procurement services, and proposal development.

With over a decade of experience in public involvement and engagement, Ervina brings a strong foundation in building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and supporting organizational growth. She has extensive experience in MATOC contracting services, proposal and grant writing, and contract and grant management, along with in-depth knowledge of federal, state, local, and tribal procurement policies and procedures.

Ervina holds an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and Entrepreneurial Studies and a graduate degree in Human Resources from the University of New Mexico. She has also completed the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Albuquerque program and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders program.

Her leadership and community involvement include serving as Secretary for the Diné Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Treasurer for Saad Kidilyé, a Diné Language Nest in Albuquerque. She also played a key role in establishing the University of New Mexico Native American Alumni Chapter and was elected its inaugural President in 2018.

Ervina’s leadership is grounded in her commitment to ensuring Native women’s voices are heard and represented. She is passionate about advancing change that supports not only current communities, but future generations. Her strengths include building meaningful relationships, emotional intelligence, resiliency, positivity, and determination.

Chadé Claiborne, accountant

Chadé Claiborne is a Diné professional with Creole heritage and serves as the Accountant at Native Women Lead. She brings a strong foundation in accounting, compliance, and financial operations across government and nonprofit sectors, with experience in payroll, accounts payable and receivable, budget monitoring, and audit preparation.

Chadé has worked in roles supporting financial oversight and reporting, including positions with the Pueblo of Isleta, the State Auditor’s Office, and the Legislative Finance Committee. Her work has focused on strengthening reconciliation processes, improving reporting accuracy, and ensuring compliance with tribal, state, and federal requirements. She is committed to precision, accountability, and integrity in financial management.

She holds an MBA and has developed a reputation for analytical rigor, attention to detail, and sound financial judgment. Chadé approaches her work with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to supporting organizations that serve and uplift communities.

Chadé’s leadership is rooted in strength, culture, and responsibility. She believes Native women’s leadership reflects the matriarchal foundations of many tribal nations—guiding, protecting, and making decisions with future generations in mind. She is inspired by leaders who create space for others to grow and is passionate about contributing to work that uplifts Native women, strengthens communities, and supports the development of future generations. Her personal power is grounded in persistence, grace, and the courage to continue forward with intention and purpose.

BERNINA GRAY, LOAN FUND COORDINATOR

Bernina Gray is a Diné and Nʉmʉnʉʉ entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and advocate for Indigenous women’s economic sovereignty. She serves as the Loan Fund Coordinator at Native Women Lead, where she supports initiatives that expand access to capital, strengthen business readiness, and foster Indigenous-led entrepreneurship.

Bernina brings experience in fund coordination, ecosystem development, and community-centered economic initiatives. In her work as a Fund Navigator with Roanhorse Consulting, she has supported programs that connect Indigenous entrepreneurs to technical assistance, capital access, and strategic resources. She has also worked with Mission Driven Finance as a Business Development Contractor, deepening her understanding of community-rooted investing and the importance of aligning capital with Indigenous values of reciprocity and relationship.

As an entrepreneur, Bernina has facilitated sessions focused on branding, storytelling, and business development, helping founders build confidence, visibility, and sustainable business practices. Her work is grounded in data-informed strategy, relationship-building, and a commitment to evaluating and strengthening programs that serve Indigenous communities.

Bernina’s leadership is rooted in relationships, reciprocity, and the restoration of balance within Indigenous economies. She is inspired by Native Women Lead’s mission to co-create with community, honor culture and creativity, and build systems that support Indigenous women in business.

Krista Chico, loan fund manager

Krista Chico serves as the Loan Fund Manager at Native Women Lead, where she supports Native entrepreneurs and community members through access to capital, relationship-building, and program coordination. She brings experience working with Native-led nonprofits and supporting urban Native communities through workforce development and community-based initiatives.

Krista has worked with the Native Professional Advancement Center (NPAC), where she supported program growth, strengthened partnerships, and helped increase participant engagement through collaboration and outreach. Her work has included coordinating opportunities for participants, building relationships with partner organizations, and contributing to increased program participation through expanded funding and community engagement efforts.

She has also been actively involved with the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque, where she supported the planning and execution of community initiatives, including annual back-to-school drives that provided resources and supplies to hundreds of Native students and families.

Krista is passionate about supporting Native-owned businesses and strengthening connections between entrepreneurs and their communities. Her work is grounded in communication, collaboration, and a commitment to increasing visibility, access, and opportunity for Native people in business and workforce development.

Krista’s leadership reflects a dedication to uplifting Native communities, building strong relationships, and creating pathways for future generations to succeed. (To be refined with her responses)