DAWN SHERMAN

Dawn Sherman brings more than 25 years of business expertise and entrepreneurial skills to her role as a founding board member and executive director of Tanka Fund. Prior to joining Tanka Fund, she served as CEO of Native American Natural Foods, maker of Tanka Bar, a Buffalo snack bar from Pine Ridge Reservation, SD.

Dawn is keenly aware of the fundamental needs facing individuals at the community level on the reservation. Her South Dakota roots inform her decision making and she is dedicated to seeking improvements in the food systems that benefit the health and wellness of her indigenous community as well as the community at large. She believes teamwork and meaningful collaboration are essential to success.

Previously, she worked in key financial leadership roles in the automotive industry, increasing dealership portfolios as well as assisting in developing policies and procedures to streamline sales and financial efficiency.

She is dedicated to returning Buffalo to Native lands, and improving the lives and economies of Native Communities. She serves as a founding board member of The Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, an ecosystem of people and organizations committed to making sustainable ranching and farming a collective norm. She is also represents her tribe as a board member of the American Woolen Company.