those who move the current

Meet Our People

We are strategists, organizers, and cultural carriers—rooted in community, shaped by responsibility, and united by purpose. Our team brings together lived experience, policy expertise, and deep relationships across Indian Country and communities of color. Together, we walk with our partners to build power, shift systems, and honor the wisdom of those who came before us—and those still to come.

  • (Diné | Umóⁿ’hoⁿ)

    FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL

    Eddie walks in two worlds—one shaped by the resilience of the Tachiiʼnii (Red Streak Running Into Water) Clan of the Diné and the spiritual responsibilities of the Tapa (Deer) Clan of the Omaha Nation. These teachings form the backbone of his leadership.

    A strategist, relationship-builder, and movement catalyst, Eddie founded Against the Current Consulting with a clear purpose: to help Indigenous and communities of color organize for power on their own terms. With decades of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, policy advocacy, and political strategy, Eddie brings more than just tools—he brings vision rooted in values. His past work has strengthened Tribal engagement, diversified funding streams, and expanded the influence of Native-led organizations across the country.

    Eddie doesn’t just consult—he walks with communities, sharing in their fight, their brilliance, and their future.

  • Organizer

    Melissa moves with care, humility, and strength. As a trusted organizer, she supports nonprofits, coalitions, and grassroots networks in aligning their daily practice with their long-term visions for justice and equity.

    Melissa brings a collaborative and values-driven approach to every partnership. She is a systems thinker and a people-centered strategist who helps build organizational capacity while centering the leadership of those most impacted. Her work ensures that Indigenous and communities of color are not only included, but resourced, respected, and leading.

    To Melissa, organizing is not just about winning campaigns—it’s about building the future our communities deserve, one relationship at a time.

  • (Diné | Umóⁿ’hoⁿ)

    Tribal Engagement Coordinator

    Char carries forward the legacy of protection, care, and connection. With a background in psychology and criminal law, and deep roots in her Diné and Omaha heritage, she leads engagement efforts that affirm sovereignty, uphold cultural lifeways, and build bridges between Tribal Nations and decision-makers.

    Char’s work centers Native people in every space she enters—bringing cultural fluency, compassion, and clarity to conversations around environmental justice, public policy, and community well-being. Whether she’s coordinating national initiatives or supporting local campaigns, Char ensures Native voices are heard and honored, not as stakeholders—but as sovereign leaders.

    She reminds us that relationship is not a strategy—it’s a sacred practice.