Nicole Smith

PRESIDENT

Nicole Smith serves as the Director of Operations at the Native Organizers Alliance, a national Native organization dedicated to strengthening the organizing capacity of Native communities. In this role, Nicole provides leadership and strategic oversight across a wide scope of the organization’s functions, including operations, advancement, finance, human resources, and fiscal sponsorship.

An enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Tribe, Nicole has a deep-rooted commitment to Indigenous self-determination and community empowerment. She began her journey in grassroots organizing, focusing especially on youth development within her own and surrounding tribal communities. Her work has consistently centered Native voices and values, blending traditional teachings with modern organizational strategies.

Nicole earned her Master’s degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota, equipping her with the tools to support tribal nations and Native-led organizations in building strong, sustainable infrastructure.

Outside of her professional work, Nicole and her family travel throughout Indian Country to attend powwows, where they actively participate in traditional dancing and cultural celebration. Her dedication to community, culture, and organizational excellence makes her a vital part of the Native Organizers Alliance and the broader Native movement.