Heather DiCosimo
Heather is an Indigenous leader, organizational strategist, and youth advocate whose career has been dedicated to strengthening Native communities through leadership development, youth empowerment, and organizational excellence. With more than twenty-seven years of experience serving Native youth and tribal communities, Heather has built a reputation for helping organizations grow their impact while remaining grounded in culture, relationships, and community values.
As Co-Founder & Director of Operations for Woodland Heart, Heather works alongside community leaders, artists, and cultural practitioners to build the infrastructure necessary for long-term success. Her work focuses on organizational development, strategic planning, grant readiness, operations, and leadership support, ensuring that Woodland Heart can sustainably serve Indigenous youth and families for generations to come.
Prior to joining Woodland Heart, Heather served as Chief Executive Officer of the Lac Courte Oreilles Boys & Girls Club and later as Director of Organizational Development for Native Services with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In those roles, she provided leadership and technical assistance to Native youth-serving organizations across fourteen Tribal Nations and eight states. Throughout her career, she has supported organizations in strengthening governance, securing resources, developing staff, and creating meaningful opportunities for Native youth to thrive.
Heather's passion is rooted in helping Indigenous young people discover who they are, where they come from, and the strengths they carry within them. She believes that culture is one of the most powerful forms of prevention and that when Native youth develop a strong sense of identity, they are better equipped to live lives filled with purpose, resilience, and belonging.
Heather resides on her home reservation of Lac Courte Oreilles, WI. Heather remains deeply committed to supporting Native communities through service, leadership, and relationship-building. She believes that lasting change happens when communities invest in their people, honor their traditions, and create opportunities for future generations to flourish.