Meet the People Behind the Walker Youngbird Foundation Mission
Our Team
Reid Walker
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As a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation of North Dakota, Reid's deep connection to his heritage informs his mission to support and promote emerging Native American artists.
While maintaining land on his reservation in North Dakota, Reid's professional journey has led him to Washington, D.C. and New York City. His career has focused on communications and marketing as well as advancing Native American interests.
Reid's passion for art is evident in his active engagement with several leading institutions including:
Board of Trustees member at the Phillips Collection
Member of the Collectors Committee at the National Gallery of Art
Combining his extensive experience in strategic communications with his deep appreciation for contemporary Native art, Reid established the Walker Youngbird Foundation. Through the Foundation, he aims to bridge the gap between traditional Native American art forms and contemporary artistic expression, fostering a new generation of Native artists and ensuring their voices are heard in the global art community.
Contact: RW@walkeryoungbird.org
Nina O’Neil
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Nina has been matching collectors & art for over a decade. She founded the art advisory firm Monochrome Collective to help clients create focused, style-driven, visual experiences in their homes and businesses through art. Her work can be seen throughout DC and has been recognized in the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, and Washington Life.
Nina has held curatorial roles at many public and private museums including a decade at the National Gallery of Art.
Her deep passion for the arts will forever be tied to her first museum job, at The Museum of the Great Plains in her home town of Lawton, Oklahoma. The Walker Youngbird Foundation’s mission to provide support to native artists directly aligns with her continued interest and support of Native American artists.
Preserving Native heritage and allowing artists to tell their stories through their own voices is priceless, and Nina is proud to use her expertise and experience to supporting this mission.
Taylor Colby
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Taylor (Mandan) is an accomplished fundraising and client success professional with a decade of experience in nonprofit development and relationship management. From health care to cultural heritage, she has spent her career driving resources and support to organizations that create meaningful change.
Taylor’s connection to her heritage has always been an important part of her life. From childhood days spent on the reservation, to celebrating her son’s naming ceremony, Taylor’s native roots have shaped her personal journey.
Now at the Walker Youngbird Foundation, Taylor is committed to uplifting and empowering Indigenous artists, blending cultural preservation with modern creativity to create lasting impact within Indian Country.
Sheyenne Lacy
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Sheyenne Sky (Diné) is a strategist and creative leader working at the intersection of art, fashion, and cross-cultural advocacy. She is the founder of Hodza Management, a digital strategy and marketing firm that serves artists, nonprofits, and business incubators.
Sheyenne holds degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology (A.S. in Advertising, B.S. in Art History) and Harvard University (M.A. in Management with a focus on Digital Strategy). While completing her graduate studies, she launched Hodza to support her siblings in building their own businesses. What began as a personal project grew into a thriving firm known for its thoughtful, data-driven approach to marketing and systems building.
Through Hodza, Sheyenne has led campaigns, built digital infrastructure, and shaped strategic communications for some of the most influential Native arts and culture organizations. Her work often bridges creative storytelling with advocacy, helping elevate Indigenous artists and institutions at the city, state, and federal level.
As Marketing Lead for the Walker Youngbird Foundation, Sheyenne helps amplify the voices of Native artists and storytellers, ensuring each campaign honors cultural context while reaching broad and meaningful audiences.
Kelso Meyer
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Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Kelso (Diné) boasts over a decade of expertise in digital content creation. With a versatile skill set spanning video to photography, he excels in every aspect of the digital realm. From swift run-and-gun productions with a 24-hour turnaround to crafting content for some of the world's largest LED screens, Kelso's portfolio is a testament to his mastery in bringing ideas to life through the lens.
The Walker Youngbird
Advisory Council
G. PETER JEMISON | (Strawberry Moon), 1985
Meet the leaders in Native and contemporary art who guide our mission and support the next generation of Indigenous artists. The council plays a vital role in our organization, offering guidance on programming and grant selection while mentoring recipients as they navigate their artistic practice and professional growth.
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Jodie Archambault
(Hunkpapa and Oglala Lakota)
Former Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council (Obama administration); artist, advocate, and board member of several leading institutions. -
John Lukavic
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts, Denver Art Museum (Denver, CO)
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Anya Montiel
Curator, National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, DC)
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Stuart Morrison
Managing Director, Hales Gallery (New York)
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Jessica Silverman
Owner, Jessica Silverman Gallery (San Francisco)
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James Trotta-Bono
Owner, Trotta-Bono Contemporary (Los Angeles)
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Leslie Wheelock
(Onieda)
Trustee at SWAIA, Phillips Collection, and National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, DC)