Community Roots / Rooted & Rising: 01 - June 2026
a message from Leadership
Ervina Castillo
Operations Manager
As we continue growing together, we remain grounded in community, relationships, and the work ahead. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and walk alongside Native Women Lead.
Together, we are building meaningful opportunities for connection, leadership, entrepreneurship, and collective growth. The strength of this community continues to inspire us.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more stories, opportunities, partnerships, and updates in the months to come.
Community Highlights
The 2026 Growth Capital Summit brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, creatives, investors, and relatives from across Indigenous communities for several days of connection, learning, and collaboration in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
From powerful conversations and inspiring speakers to meaningful networking and shared moments of celebration, the summit reflected the strength, innovation, and vision of Native women in business and leadership.
Gathering in community continues to remind us what is possible when Native women are supported, seen, and invested in. The energy, ideas, and relationships built throughout the summit will continue creating impact long after the event ends.
Thank you to everyone who attended, partnered, presented, volunteered, and helped make this year’s summit such a meaningful experience. We look forward to continuing the momentum together.
spotlight
This month, we’re highlighting Tina Archuleta, founder of Itality Plant Based Foods, a Native woman-owned business rooted in Indigenous food sovereignty, health, and community wellness.
A citizen of Jemez Pueblo, Tina has built Itality around plant-based Pueblo foods, sustainable practices, and the reconnection of Native communities with traditional food knowledge. During a Transformation session in May, Tina shared insights on entrepreneurship, perseverance, storytelling, and crafting a compelling business pitch grounded in purpose and authenticity.
Funding/Resources
Access to funding should not be limited by traditional systems alone. The Seedling Loan Fund was created to support Native women entrepreneurs through relationship-based lending that recognizes vision, community impact, and potential. With flexible opportunities, low-interest lending options, and a focus on growth, this initiative is designed to help Native women start, build, and expand their businesses.
Upcoming Events
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We invite you to join upcoming events that create opportunities for learning, relationship-building, storytelling, and collective growth.
From virtual workshops and Transformation Thursdays to community gatherings, leadership conversations, and entrepreneurial programming, our events are designed to support Native women in business, leadership, and economic empowerment.
These spaces are created to foster connection, share knowledge, celebrate Indigenous excellence, and strengthen relationships across communities and generations. We look forward to gathering with you throughout the year.