Gaby Strong

VICE PRESIDENT

Gaby Strong (she/her), is an enrolled citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton/Mdewakanton Dakota Oyate. She brings over 40 years of experience in the tribal, nonprofit, and philanthropic sector, including community development and the revitalization of language and lifeways.

Her professional work includes serving as a program officer for the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies in the Arts & Cultures domain, serving as technical assistance specialist with the Education Development Center, advising tribes, schools, and communities with federal funding streams, serving as tribal administrator for Lower Sioux Indian Community, and as program officer with the Grotto Foundation, where she administered key initiatives, including the Native Language Revitalization Initiative and American Indian Family Empowerment Program.

Gaby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Education minor from Macalester College and a Masters of Social Work, Human Service Management from the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of The Red School House, one of the original American Indian Movement (AIM) Survival Schools.

Gaby is also a recipient of the following awards: Flying Eagle Woman Award, Native Americans in Philanthropy; Bush Fellowship; Distinguished Citizen, Macalester College; BIHA Women in Action; and the Gisela Konopka Award.

She is an Honorary Board member for the Ain Dah Yung (Our Home) Center, the Board Chair for Dakota Wicohan, and also serves as a Board Member for the Grantmakers in the Arts. Gaby’s community and professional experience has centered on Indian education, Indian child welfare, Native history, language and lifeways, leadership, and community development.

She is committed to perpetuating and sharing Native cultural knowledge, particularly Native songs, dance, and horse traditions.