"About

Carmen Davis (Makah Nation, Chippewa Cree, and Yakama Tribes) is an accomplished entrepreneur, strategic visionary, and recognized Indigenous leader who has dedicated over 25 years to advancing economic prosperity across Indian Country. As Co-Founder and President of Native Business®, Carmen brings exceptional expertise in business development, media production, and nation-to-nation relationship building.

Strategic Leadership & Business Excellence

Carmen’s entrepreneurial acumen spans multiple industries and ventures. As President and Co-Founder of Davis Strategy Group, she has orchestrated transformative partnerships between Tribal entities and corporations, led international tribal business delegations, and produced major national broadcasts. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in facilitating business opportunities across an array of economic sectors.

Most recently, Carmen helped launch and serves as Vice President of IndigiStudios, a 100% Indigenous-owned film and production company dedicated to reclaiming Native narratives in entertainment.

Proven Impact Across Indian Country

Carmen’s commitment to Native communities is exemplified through her leadership of groundbreaking initiatives. As President of the Association for American Indian Development, she coordinated the historic “Reach the Rez” project—the largest national outreach effort in Indian Country. Over five years, Carmen managed all aspects of the multi-faceted initiative, helping raise over $1.3 million philanthropically and leading a team that traveled 54,000 miles to deliver motivational and educational programs to more than 350 Indigenous communities across North America.

Her ability to execute large-scale projects while maintaining authentic community connection has made her an invaluable bridge between Tribal Nations and mainstream business sectors. Carmen has successfully facilitated strategic partnerships, guided brand development initiatives, and overseen business expansion efforts that create lasting positive impact for Native communities.

Voice of Empowerment

As one of the first recipients of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s prestigious “40 Under 40” award in 2009, Carmen was recognized early as an emerging force in Indigenous business leadership. Today, she is a sought-after keynote speaker who has delivered powerful presentations for diverse audiences ranging from PNC Bank to the Navajo Nation to the Native Women’s Business Summit.

Carmen’s unique ability to navigate both tribal and corporate environments with equal expertise has made her an exceptional advocate for Indigenous economic advancement. She combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, ensuring that business opportunities translate into real benefits for Native communities.

Driving Native Business Forward

As the founder, publisher, and executive editor of Native Business—the premiere 100% Indigenous owned and operated national tribal business publication—Carmen has created an essential platform for Indigenous economic discourse. She also produces the Native Business Summit, bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to accelerate economic growth across Indian Country.

Through Native Business, Carmen continues her lifelong mission: creating pathways for Indigenous prosperity that honor traditional values while embracing innovation. Her leadership ensures that Native Business remains not just a publication, but a catalyst for economic transformation that empowers current and future generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Carmen’s work embodies the belief that economic sovereignty and cultural preservation are not just compatible—they are essential partners in building a thriving future for all Indigenous peoples.

Gary “Litefoot” Davis (Cherokee Nation) is a visionary entrepreneur, award-winning entertainer, and nationally recognized advocate for Indigenous economic sovereignty. With over three decades of breaking barriers across entertainment, business, and policy, Gary brings unparalleled expertise and passion to his role as Co-Founder, Publisher and CEO of Native Business®.

A Trailblazer in Business and Media

Gary’s entrepreneurial journey began when he made history as the first Native American rap artist to achieve national prominence, founding Red Vinyl Records—a 100% Native-owned label and touring company—and independently releasing eight award-winning albums. This early success in building his own platform rather than accepting industry limitations became the blueprint for his business philosophy: create Indigenous-owned infrastructure that empowers Native communities to control their own narratives and economic futures.

Today, Gary leads multiple successful ventures including Davis Strategy Group, a premier consulting firm specializing in tribal economic development and public-private partnerships; IndigiStudios, dedicated to reclaiming Indigenous narratives in film and television; and IndigiAI, deploying culturally-rooted technology solutions for Tribal Nations.

National Leadership in Indian Country

Gary’s commitment to economic advancement for Indian Country extends far beyond entrepreneurship. He previously served as:

• President & CEO, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), where he managed federal programs and led the largest annual gathering of Tribal and Indigenous entrepreneurs
• Executive Director, Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA), advocating for tribal sovereignty and economic self-determination in Washington D.C.
• Co-Chair, National Indian Gaming Association’s American Indian Business Network

His expertise has been sought at the highest levels of government and industry. Gary has twice testified before the U.S. Senate, been appointed as Ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy’s initiatives on minority and equity in energy, and served on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities. He has consulted for organizations including Swedish Match, the American Petroleum Institute, and the Mandan Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.

Building the Future of Native Business

As a sought-after keynote speaker who has addressed audiences from the World Indigenous Business Forum in Guatemala to Hannover Messe in Germany, Gary brings a unique perspective on the intersection of cultural sovereignty and economic empowerment. Through The Litefoot Show Podcast and his speaking engagements at universities and corporations nationwide, he continues to inspire new generations of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Gary’s numerous accolades include the Cherokee Nation Historical Society’s Sevenstar Award, the MBDA National Director Special Recognition Award, and multiple Native American Music Awards. He was featured in Scholastic Books’ “Native American Heroes” for his impact on Native youth.

Through Native Business, Gary combines his extensive experience, vast network, and unwavering commitment to create a platform that doesn’t just report on Indigenous business—it actively shapes its future. His vision is clear: to build an ecosystem where Native entrepreneurs and Tribal enterprises have the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to thrive in the modern economy while maintaining cultural integrity.