About Us

Executive Board of Directors

Mary Lucas

Chair

Betsy Tulee

Secretary

Lyn Dennis

Treasurer

Meet the Team

Our team at the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition is a dedicated minority-focused grassroots nonprofit that firmly believes in the power of community-based education. We recognize for example that Native educators, grounded in their own cultural heritage, are uniquely positioned to teach and empower native communities. By leveraging the strengths and insights of our community members, we provide culturally relevant financial literacy and asset-building programs designed to uplift and strengthen our indigenous communities.

Andrea Alexander
Executive Director

Andrea Alexander, a Makah Tribal Elder, is an esteemed activist, changemaker, and community development expert with decades of experience working with charitable organizations and nonprofits. She has founded multiple nonprofits, including the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition, which provides essential services such as digital and financial literacy to Native communities. Her tireless efforts to empower indigenous communities through financial education underscore her commitment to economic empowerment and asset building, focusing on unlocking the potential of individuals.

Andrea has successfully leveraged over $480 million for Indian Country, impacting numerous areas including tribal transportation, energy, and telecommunications. Her passion for rural economic development and her current work on financial education and literacy are driving forces behind her efforts to develop innovative housing models. Andrea invites those dedicated to these causes to join her in her mission to uplift and support Native communities.

Dan Seydel
(Partner) – EIW Executive Director

Dan Seydel, founder of Platinum Group (est. 2001) and the Entrepreneurial Institute of Washington, is a dedicated advocate and coach for entrepreneurs, helping secure over $100 million in government and private contracts for diverse business owners. He has developed and implemented solutions benefiting small diverse firms on capital improvement projects and has assisted local governments and elected officials in designing procurement processes, refining RCW language, and improving policies to increase small business inclusion. His professional portfolio exceeds $4 billion, including projects with DOT/WSF, DES, King County, Snohomish County, City of Seattle, University of Washington, Sound Transit, and the Port of Seattle.

Dan has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition (NWNABC) into its status as a nonprofit. His leadership continues to drive innovative initiatives that empower and uplift Native communities through financial and digital literacy programs.

Wendy Ortman
Director of Operations

Wendy Ortman brings over 15 years of expertise in strategic management, program development, and community engagement. Her career is marked by a proven ability to drive operational excellence and boost organizational effectiveness across both nonprofit and business sectors. Wendy’s diverse professional background includes roles in food and pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing, labor compliance, business development, and nonprofit management. As owner and COO of a labor compliance consulting firm, Wendy has overseen compliance for over $3.5 billion in public works construction contracts. She is also the founder of Valkyrie Consulting, where she focuses on supporting small business development.

In addition to her professional work, Wendy has actively contributed to the nonprofit sector, including serving as a board president and leading various community outreach initiatives. Her passion lies in education, cultivating strategic partnerships, and developing operational systems that help organizations to empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential.

Joshua Whitener
IT Manager & Financial Coach

Joshua Whitener, a Squaxin Island tribal member, is a dedicated advocate for indigenous communities, with extensive experience in technology and education. His career has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing digital literacy and financial empowerment among Native populations. Joshua has worked both domestically and internationally, including significant outreach efforts in West Africa, Cameroon, as well as locally in tribal communities in western Washington where he focused on digital literacy education.

Joshua’s expertise spans digital literacy, financial management, and FinTech education, making him a versatile and knowledgeable leader in these fields. His efforts have helped bridge the digital divide, providing essential skills and knowledge to empower individuals and communities. Currently, in addition to working as IT manager for the NWNABC Joshua serves as the Treasurer of the Squaxin Island Tribal Council, where he applies his financial management expertise to benefit his community. His leadership and dedication continue to drive positive change, enhancing the economic and technological capabilities of the communities he serves.

Partnerships

At the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition (NWNABC), we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. We partner with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to achieve our goals of empowering Native communities through financial and digital literacy. These partnerships are essential to our mission, allowing us to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to create lasting impact. Together, we are building a stronger future for Native communities.

The Entrepreneurial Institute of Washington (EIW), a nonprofit, is a key partner organization of the NWNABC, providing strategic guidance and support. EIW is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly within minority communities. NWNABC benefits from EIW’s extensive network, resources, and commitment to creating opportunities for underserved populations. Our shared vision and collaboration with EIW enhance our ability to deliver impactful programs and services to Native communities.