World-Class Mentorship & World Cup Memories
Recently, I’ve had two experiences that have made me appreciate the past and given me hope for the future. Almost twenty years ago, I was lucky enough to meet Nate Miles, who became a mentor and role model. He pushed me as a leader, modeled how to be a community builder, and inspired me to be the best father I could be. In June, I took my whole family to Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle to hear Nate give a sermon on the importance of providing our children with guidance and support – a message that moved all of us. Not long after that, I had another moment I’ll never forget as the U.S. played Australia in the World Cup: reveling with 60,000 other ecstatic soccer fans as we saw the power of soccer to bring community, love, pure joy, and people together. While a place of worship and a soccer arena may be two very different settings, the two experiences reminded me how so many moments in our lives are more memorable when we are connected and have opportunities to grow together, which is something I’ve always believed is at the heart of the LBC Action way.
– Martin LeBlanc, Principal & Founder, LBC Action
Erik Stegman Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy
We are thrilled to celebrate Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) CEO Erik Stegman, who has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy — an honor that reflects a remarkable commitment to community, collaboration, and building a better future for the next generation. This recognition speaks to the meaningful relationships Erik builds and the way he approaches not only his work, but his life: with an open mind, an open heart, and a deep belief in the power of people coming together to create change. Congratulations to Erik and to the entire Native Americans in Philanthropy team, who together are advancing Native-led funding strategies, strengthening youth leadership, and reshaping how philanthropy partners with Tribal communities.
Fresh Tracks Taco Tour: Pastor, Asada, and The Flavor of Community
In June, leaders from Native Americans in Philanthropy, the Center for Native American Youth, the Aspen Institute, and many other organizations gathered in Los Angeles for the 2026 Hispanics in Philanthropy Conference. But, the gathering was about much more than meetings. Juan Martinez, Deputy Director of the Aspen Institute’s Forum for Community Solutions and Director of Fresh Tracks, led a group of conference attendees on a deeply personal Fresh Tracks Taco Tour, exploring neighborhoods, businesses, and food that have made an impact on him over the years.
Camp Fire Partners with Puyallup Tribe of Indians
This spring, LBC Action partners Camp Fire and Native Americans in Philanthropy co-hosted the Partnership and Promise Reception in Seattle, a gathering of funders and tribal leaders, and a celebration of their inaugural partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Puyallup Tribal Enterprises. Through a cross-cultural collaboration with Puyallup Chocolates, Camp Fire youth will have opportunities to earn funds to attend life-changing camp experiences and develop real-world skills by selling ethically-made chocolates. Congratulations to Camp Fire CEO Shawna Rosenzweig on her role in forming a relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to Native youth.
Recommended Reading
Examining the Legacy and Impact of Dehumanizing Language in the Declaration of Independence
Tracy L. Canard Goodluck, Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is featured in a recent Washington Post article exploring the origin, legacy, and impact of the harsh characterization of Indigenous people as “merciless Indian Savages” in the Declaration of Independence. In the article, Goodluck, a member of the Oneida Nation who is also Mvskoke Creek, stresses the importance of educating the public about the history of this language in one of our nation’s founding documents and of changing the narrative to counter the dehumanizing phrasing. We are so proud to have Tracy and CNAY as an LBC Action partner.
The Harms of Politicizing Military Promotions
In a new op-ed for We Are The Mighty, Blue Star Families CEO and Co-Founder Kathy Roth-Douquet explores how a growing practice in Congress is creating uncertainty for service members and their families – and why a coalition of veteran and military service organizations is calling for a change.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
In The 74, Camp Fire CEO Shawna Rosenzweig makes the case that afterschool programs, youth organizations and camps that connect young people to the outdoors can bolster the social and emotional foundations that support student engagement, and help address rising rates of absenteeism.
