What is the name of your organization?
East Wind Digital
What is the name of your solution?
Connected by Design
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Bridging tradition and tech to power Indigenous self-governance, cultural education, and community-driven innovation
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Phoenix, AZ, USA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
USA
What type of organization is your solution team?
Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
The specific problem I’m solving is how to make information, cultural resources, and opportunities more accessible for members of the Shinnecock Nation—especially as our community continues to grow and evolve in a digital world.
During my time as Communications Manager for the Nation, I often heard that people wanted easier ways to stay informed about what was happening in tribal government and across departments. The challenge wasn’t that communication wasn’t happening—it’s that the tools and platforms weren’t always reaching everyone.
In addition to improving internal communications, there’s also a need to create space for Shinnecock history and culture to be preserved and shared in ways that are community-led, engaging, and accessible to all—whether someone lives on or off the territory.
Finally, as technology continues to play a larger role in everyday life, I want to help expand opportunities for Shinnecock citizens in cybersecurity and STEM fields. Not only are these strong career paths—they’re essential to building digital sovereignty and ensuring we control and protect our own information as a Nation.
What is your solution?
My solution is a digital ecosystem designed by and for the Shinnecock Nation—centered on connection, cultural preservation, and long-term self-determination.
Phase 1 launches a public website to share Shinnecock history and updates, along with a secure, members-only portal where enrolled citizens can access governance documents, meetings, and announcements in accessible language.
Phase 2 creates pathways into tech and cybersecurity through partnerships with STEM programs—laying the foundation for a Shinnecock-led tech department to manage and secure our digital systems.
Phase 3 sustains the platform through a children’s book series and lesson plans on Shinnecock history, sold to schools and the public to support scholarships and tech infrastructure.
Looking ahead, I plan to develop a scalable blueprint of this model that can be licensed and adapted by other tribal nations globally—supporting broader Indigenous digital sovereignty while generating revenue to maintain and grow the Shinnecock platform.
This solution is culturally grounded and tech-driven, designed to uplift my Nation and offer a replicable model for others.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
This solution serves Shinnecock elders, youth, and all enrolled citizens.
Many Shinnecock community members want to stay informed, connected, and involved in tribal life, but they don’t always have the tools or resources to do so. Some may not know where to find updates. Others may feel unsure navigating digital platforms. And for those who didn’t grow up on the territory, cultural knowledge may feel out of reach.
This project addresses those realities by offering one central space to access reliable, up-to-date information. It creates a secure, user-friendly system where tribal members can find meeting recordings, important documents, and updates from leadership—written in plain language to ensure clarity and access.
At the same time, the solution opens up future pathways. By connecting Shinnecock citizens with education and career opportunities in cybersecurity and tech, we create space for new leadership and self-determined growth. Cultural materials like children’s books and lesson plans will also strengthen community identity while inviting others to learn about us through our own words.
Overall, this project helps people feel informed, included, and empowered—because they have the tools to stay connected to community and confident in navigating the digital world.
