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Portrait of Chelsie Baldwin

Honor Society® member

Chelsie Baldwin

  • Native American Leadership - Nation Building
  • Class of 2026
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Member since August 2025

About

My vision is to be the trusted strategic partner of tribal nations, driving meaningful progress and transformation through exceptional grant writing and administration, comprehensive organizational development, unwavering human rights advocacy, compelling visual storytelling, and expert tribal nonprofit consulting and strategic planning. I aspire to create a future where tribal communities thrive, their voices are heard, and their legacies are celebrated.

Education

  • Southeastern Oklahoma State University

    Native American Leadership - Nation Building

    2025 – 2026

  • National Tribal Trial College

    Tribal Court Legal Advocacy

    2015 – 2016

  • Wichita State University

    Bachelor of Social Work

    2004 – 2008

Honors and awards

  • 'Winning Grant Proposal Competition' Awardee

  • Graduated Top of Class, National Tribal Trial College

  • National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development 40 Under 40 Award Recipient

  • U.S. Department of Justice Best Practice Program Recognition

  • National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) Recognition

  • First-of-its-Kind Tribal Coalition–Tribal Government Partnership

  • Public Speaker at Oklahoma State Capitol (4x)

Goals and interests

Career goal

I plan to build a career at the intersection of Tribal economic development, community empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure. My goal is to work in leadership roles that help secure funding, design programs, and implement initiatives that strengthen sovereignty, improve quality of life, and preserve cultural values in Native communities.

In the near term, I aim to work with organizations that serve Tribal Nations, focusing on capacity-building, grant management, and program coordination. Long-term, I intend to lead or direct programs that promote clean energy, housing, education, and economic resilience for Indigenous communities across the country.

Graduate school interests

I am interested in pursuing graduate studies that focus on Tribal governance, economic development, and sustainable infrastructure. My goal is to strengthen the capacity of Native-led organizations and initiatives, especially in areas such as clean energy, housing, and community wellness. I’m also drawn to programs that integrate leadership development, public policy, and grant or program management, so I can better serve Tribal Nations and promote long-term sovereignty and self-determination.

Outside the classroom

I enjoy beadwork and other creative arts, weightlifting, hiking, running, and spending time outdoors. My Christian faith is central to my life, and I actively volunteer in my community. I also love reading and learning about topics that inspire personal growth and service.

Experience

  • Tribal Nonprofit Consultant

    Red lake Nation Gwayakochige-Wigamig 24-hr Emergency Youth Shelter & Red Lake Nation Boys and Girls Club

    Jul 2021 – Jul 2025

  • Tribal Community Development | Transitional Housing for Victims of Crime

    Native Alliance Against Violence & Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma

    Jan 2021 – Dec 2023

  • Tribal Community Development | Transitional Housing for Victims of Crime

    Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Tihrasa Traditional Healing Center

    Dec 2009 – Jul 2018

Volunteering

  • Selected as a subject matter expert to review and evaluate federal grant applications for the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and other DOJ offices. Provided detailed assessments of program design, budgets, and alignment with federal funding priorities. Ensured equitable, unbiased scoring and contributed to funding recommendations for victim services and tribal initiatives.

    Department of Justice

    Aug 2024 – Aug 2025

  • Strategic Consultant & Brand Director

    Kingdom Advance Consulting

    Sep 2011 – Sep 2020

  • Communications & Impact Consultant

    Global Grace Sewing Institute - Women Helping Women (India)

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information

  • Grant Professionals Association

  • American Indian Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma (OKC Chapter)

  • Native American Business Association (NABA)