University of Phoenix graduate Sarah Eagle Heart, of the Oglala Lakota tribe, uses her education to fiercely advocate for the building of healthy communities while preserving Native American traditions.
The new CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP), Eagle Heart, joined the organization in 2015. She earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix's San Diego campus. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a BA in American Indian Studies from Black Hills State University in South Dakota. Her education makes her uniquely qualified to lead NAP.
Eagle Heart worked extensively with indigenous populations throughout the world in her previous position as the team leader for diversity and ethnic ministries and program officer for indigenous ministry at the Episcopal church. She also managed military assistance programs in Florida and advertising for the Viejas Casino in San Diego.
As the CEO, Eagle Heart has already led NAP to promote and enlarge its Engage Map, which connects grant seekers and grant makers. While the platform is sorted by organization type and location, by the end of 2016 members will be able to search using issue area, funding priority and other specialized search terms.
Her influence has also changed the focus of the upcoming 11th annual Philanthropy Institute "Raising Impact with Native Voices" to the intersections of philanthropy by connecting funding sources, tribal leaders and Native American community partners. The conference will be held May 25-27 at the Catamaran Resort and Spa in San Diego.
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