Our Team

Nicole Johnny

Co-Founder

Nicole Johnny (Diné) is a finance professional with deep experience in Indigenous capital formation, venture investing, and tribal economic development. With an MBA in Finance and a career rooted in advocating for Native entrepreneurs, Nicole brings a strategic vision for equity-centered capital access. Her work spans venture capital, nonprofit leadership, and ecosystem building to empower Indigenous innovation across sectors.

Derek Valdo

Co-Founder

Derek Valdo (Pueblo of Acoma) is a seasoned executive and tribal business leader with decades of experience in Native-owned enterprise development and financial stewardship. As the CEO of AMERIND, Derek led national efforts to build economic resilience through tribally owned insurance and housing solutions. He brings to 1st Sovereign Capital a legacy of trust, operational excellence, and commitment to economic sovereignty.

Our Team

Our team brings deep expertise across finance, venture, and Indigenous economic development.


  • Co-Founder

    Nicole Johnny (Diné) is a finance professional with deep experience in Indigenous capital formation, venture investing, and tribal economic development. With an MBA in Finance and a career rooted in advocating for Native entrepreneurs, Nicole brings a strategic vision for equity-centered capital access. Her work spans venture capital, nonprofit leadership, and ecosystem building to empower Indigenous innovation across sectors.

  • Co-Founder

    Derek Valdo (Pueblo of Acoma) is a seasoned executive and tribal business leader with decades of experience in Native-owned enterprise development and financial stewardship. As the CEO of AMERIND, Derek led national efforts to build economic resilience through tribally owned insurance and housing solutions. He brings to 1st Sovereign Capital a legacy of trust, operational excellence, and commitment to economic sovereignty.

Advisory Board

  • LACEY CALAC DUNNE

    A 20-year investment veteran and the founder of Acknowledge Capital, a Native-owned firm advancing Tribal financial sovereignty. She serves as Chairwoman of the First Nations Economic Development Corporation, the investment entity for the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Her experience spans public equities, private companies, and real estate, including leadership as Managing Partner of a single-family office.

  • ELI VELASQUEZ

    An experienced angel and venture capital investor, Eli works with a globally diverse network of accredited investors to create catalytic wealth through early-stage investing. As the founder of an international advisory firm, they support governments, nonprofits, and corporations in designing and deploying complex innovation initiatives at a global scale.

  • Dawn houle

    With over 20 years of experience building Native-owned businesses, partnerships, and policy solutions, Dawn is the founder of SunSinger Consulting. She served as Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs under President Obama. She holds a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Montana and an M.B.A. from Saint Martin’s University, and serves on boards including SWAIA, Mohawk Networks, and UM’s College of Forestry.