ILA Alumni Asheli Mann-Lofthouse: Using Cultural Values to Drive Systems Change

The American Indian Policy Institute’s Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) is currently supporting its second cohort. Community members and stakeholders can sign up here to follow along and receive updates.

This installment of the “Where Are They Now?” series features Asheli Mann-Lofthouse, a graduate of the ILA and a connector of people with a unique ability to inspire engagement and shared purpose. During her time in the program, Asheli demonstrated a gift for fostering community among her peers—something that would become foundational to her work.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development

With a background in mental health and education, Asheli brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. Her approach integrates anthropology, industrial-organizational psychology, and ethnographic methodologies to enhance cultural awareness and drive lasting impact. At the core of her work is the intentional design of strategies that promote inclusion and belonging.

As the Founder, President, and Chief Experience Officer of C.O.R.E. Collective, she leads efforts to empower communities through culturally rooted development frameworks. Her signature model, Intentional Inclusion™, was partially developed during her time with ILA. It now serves as a foundation for the organization’s customizable, experiential programs.

ILA Project: Bridging Gaps in Local Communities

When asked about her ILA community project, Asheli shared that her initiative, Bridging the Gaps in Our Own Backyard, focused on building relationships between Indigenous tribes and local organizations in Northern Illinois. She credits ILA with providing tools to build consensus and foster understanding in spaces where her work was initially unfamiliar.

“The tools ILA provided helped me bring others along on a journey of discovery they might not otherwise understand,” Asheli said. “Support from my cohort helped me identify blind spots and refine my project.”

Discovering the Power of Cultural Values

One of Asheli’s most meaningful takeaways from ILA was learning to name and embrace how her Indigenous values shape her leadership approach. This shift was transformative, allowing her to realign her career with purpose and cultural integrity.

“ILA helped me articulate the values I lead with and gave me confidence to pursue work aligned with them,” she explained. “It was the clarity I needed to take a calculated, intentional risk.”

Career Transformation and Community Impact

At the time of her ILA experience, Asheli was facing uncertainty in her career. The Academy gave her clarity and renewed confidence to step away from environments where she could not make the impact she envisioned.

“I was struggling to find purpose,” she shared. “ILA reminded me that the way I lead—grounded in service, empathy, and development—is a strength, not something to downplay.”

ILA also connected Asheli with a network of peers committed to similar values. That support system continues to influence her work and life.

Anthropology in Action: Founding CORE Collective

Asheli’s training in anthropology has deeply influenced the foundation of C.O.R.E. Collective. The organization takes a culturally informed approach to human development, integrating lived experience, behavioral science, and Indigenous methodologies.

“We approach every challenge with the goal of understanding the whole person,” she said. “Anthropology helps us see systems and barriers more clearly, so we can design solutions that reflect people’s realities.”

Giving Back to Indigenous Communities

Asheli remains dedicated to serving Indigenous communities through leadership development, cultural education, and intentional support. C.O.R.E. Collective prioritizes Indigenous-led initiatives and regularly offers free or affordable services focused on life skills, repatriation, and professional advancement.

The project Asheli developed during ILA exemplifies her commitment to systemic change rooted in cultural knowledge. By building partnerships, fostering visibility, and creating space for others to lead, her work continues to empower Indigenous communities to grow from places of comfortability into confidence.