2025 Power of Community: Legacy Makers Luncheon Special Guest Speaker Colleen Echowawk
Colleen Echohawk is a visionary executive leader, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to advancing economic equity, generational wealth building, and social justice. An enrolled member of the Kithehaki Band of the Pawnee Nation and a member of the Upper Athabascan people of Mentasta Lake, Echohawk has built a career blending advocacy with innovative
leadership.
Colleen is the Principal and Co-Founder of Headwater People Consulting, an organization committed to helping other organizations achieve meaningful, community-centered change. In early 2025, she resigned as CEO of Eighth Generation to devote her energy to launching two new businesses that continue her commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic mobility. In January 2025 she was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Seattle Indian Services Commission, where she oversees the beginning stages of two capital projects aimed at housing and enhancing services and opportunities for Seattle’s Native community.
As the CEO of Eighth Generation, a business owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, Echohawk led transformative efforts to expand the company’s influence and support for Indigenous artists. Under her leadership, the company not only increased opportunities for Native artists but also elevated its mission to foster economic independence and celebrate Indigenous culture on a national scale.
Echohawk previously served as the Executive Director of the Chief Seattle Club, where she guided the development of nearly $100 million in new affordable housing projects in Seattle. These efforts provided critical resources for Native people experiencing homelessness and gained national recognition for their innovative approach to housing and wellness.
Awards and Public Service:
Echohawk has been honored with the King County Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service for her dedication to equity and social justice. She has also been named one of Seattle Magazine’s Most Influential People, recognizing her significant contributions to the city’s cultural and social fabric. Additionally, she received the President’s Award: Tribal Ally from the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska for her transformative work in creating housing opportunities for Native people in Seattle.
Singing the Songs of Gratitude for Frank Chopp – Colleen Echohawk shares about a beloved Seattle Legacy Maker.
Join us on October 9th, 11:30am – 1pm at Ballard Elks Lodge to hear a powerful message from Colleen Echohawk on Legacy Making and Community Building in Seattle. Tickets below!
Our Goal: $100,000 Help us get there!
The Power of Community: Legacy Makers fundraiser supports the full breadth of PNA’s work – from the Greenwood Senior Center, Memory Loss, and Village programs to community meals and community spaces like the Phinney Center Campus and beyond. Your generosity helps us continue creating welcoming places and meaningful programs for all neighbors at every life stage.
