Melodi Serna, from the Oneida Nation and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, is a dynamic professional with over 16 years of diverse experience in nonprofit leadership, cultural awareness, presentations, communication, and professional development. She is a distinguished Fellow of the American Express Social Justice Leadership Academy, a global initiative aimed at nurturing emerging nonprofit and social purpose leaders committed to advancing social justice and advocacy across various sectors. Additionally, Melodi is the visionary CEO and Founder of Giizhik Consulting Services, a renowned business and tribal consulting firm established in 2008.

As a business and tribal consultant, Melodi specializes in a wide array of areas including tribal crisis management, economic and community development, decolonizing business practices and policies, and crafting unique solutions for sustainable outcomes tailored to BIPOC and Native-led organizations, Native American Tribes, and First Nations Tribal communities. Her extensive background in human resources development, conflict resolution, governance training, DEI, and ESG practices lends a distinctive perspective to the sustainable solutions she delivers to her clients.

A captivating public speaker, workshop facilitator, and curriculum developer, Melodi utilizes her expertise in nonprofit leadership, cultural awareness, presentations, communication, and professional development to educate and inspire diverse audiences. Her passion lies in advocating for Native American rights and values, empowering youth and women, and championing causes related to veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities, and homelessness.

Mentoring youth and youth development hold a special place in Melodi's heart. As a dedicated mother of three, including a special needs child, she demonstrates her commitment to youth through her involvement with Special Olympics and her role as the Youth Council Advisor for Chicago’s Indigenous Tribal Youth (C.I.T Y.) Council. Under her guidance, the council was honored with the prestigious 2021 UNITY Inc. Youth Council of the Year Award, recognizing their exceptional leadership and community development efforts.

Throughout her illustrious career, Melodi has garnered multiple awards and honors for her outstanding contributions to the community, including the 2022 Outstanding Community Leader of the Year, 2022 Social Action Award, and the 2023 Alice BigPond Roach Memorial Award, in recognition of her exemplary service and dedication.

As a fifth-generation Native American Veteran, Melodi is deeply committed to serving her people and her country with unwavering honor and integrity.