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

kssatter — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:49:39 +0000

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

kssatter May 27, 2025

AIPI Blog

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.

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May 27, 2025

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Tribal Consultation: USDA Equity & Barriers Series

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:14:56 +0000

Tribal Consultation: USDA Equity & Barriers Series

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 20, 2023

AIPI Blog

Tribal Consultation: USDA Equity & Barriers Series

On April 24, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin a virtually held five-day consultation series focusing on agricultural themes and topics that are critical in advancing equity and support for Tribal communities. Tribal affiliates such as Tribal organizations, citizens and staff are able to attend. Elected Tribal leaders and authorized proxy representatives are welcome to speak.

The 2023 consultation series will build and expand upon the previous USDA consultations held in 2021 and 2022. Each day will address new topics. Framing papers will be provided with the purpose of guiding the discussion as needed. Before each consultation, Tribal organizations will hold caucuses. The full agenda can be viewed here. Information on the series is listed below.

Monday, April 24: Economic Development

Schedule
- Caucus 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
- Consultation and Listening Session 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Mission Area:
- Rural Development (RD)
Agencies:
- Rural Housing Service (RHS)
- Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS),
- Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the Innovation Center
Introduction/Consulting Officials:
- Rural Development, Deputy Under Secretary, Farah Ahmad
- Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Administrator, Karama Neal
- Rural Utility Service, Assistant Administrator, Chris McLean
- Single Family Housing, Deputy Administrator, Cathy Glover
Registration Link
Framing Paper

Tuesday, April 25: Food, Safety, and Trade

Schedule:
- Caucus 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
- Consultation and Listening Session 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Mission Areas:
- Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC)
- Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP)
- Natural Resources and Environment (NRE)
Agencies:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Risk Management Agency (RMA)
- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- Forest Service (FS)
Introduction/Consulting Officials:
- Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), Under Secretary, Robert Bonnie
- Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), Deputy Under Secretary, Katherine Zenk
- Natural Resources Conservation Service, Chief, Terry Cosby
- Farm Service Agency (FSA), Administrator, Zach Ducheneaux
- Risk Management Agency, Administrator, Marcia Bunger
- U.S. Forest Service, (USFS), Deputy Chief, Chris French
Registration Link
Framing Paper

Thursday, April 27: Farming, Ranching, and Conservation

Schedule:
- Caucus 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
- Consultation and Listening Session 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Mission Areas:
- Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS)
- Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP)
- Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA)
- Food Safety
Agencies:
- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
- Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS)
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Introduction/Consulting Officials:
- Food, Nutrition, Consumer Services (FNCS), Deputy Under Secretary, Stacy Dean
- Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), Deputy Under Secretary, Mae Wu
- Food Safety (FS), Deputy Under Secretary, Sandra Eskin
Registration Link
Framing Paper

Friday, April 28: Forests and Public Lands Management

Schedule:
- Caucus 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
- Consultation and Listening Session 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Mission Area:
- Natural Resources and Environment (NRE)
Agency:
- Forest Service
Introduction/Consulting Officials:
- National Resources and Environment (NRE), Under Secretary, Dr. Homer Wilkes
- National Resources and Environment (NRE), Deputy Under Secretary, Meryl Harrell
- U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Chief, Randy Moore
Registration Link
Framing Paper

Monday, May 1: Education and Research

Schedule:
- Caucus 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
- Consultation and Listening Session 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ET
Mission Areas:
- Research, Education and Economics (REE)
Agencies:
- National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS)
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Economic Research Service (ERS)
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA),
- 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities Program
Introduction/Consulting Officials:
- Research, Education, and Economics (REE), Under Secretary & Acting USDA Chief Scientist, Chavonda Jacobs-Young
- Research, Education, and Economics (REE), Deputy Under Secretary, Dr. Sanah Baig
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Director, Dr. Dionne Toombs
Registration Link
Framing Paper

Continue following AIPI for more important policy news and event updates.

Posted on

April 20, 2023

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The Office of Management and Budget Requests Public Comment

bsantist — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 22:46:30 +0000

The Office of Management and Budget Requests Public Comment

bsantist February 15, 2023

AIPI Blog

The Office of Management and Budget Requests Public Comment

The Office of Management and Budget Requests Public Comment on the Initial Proposals for Updating Statistical Standards for Collecting and Reporting Race and Ethnicity Data

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a Federal Register Notice Requesting Submission of Comments on the Initial Proposals For Updating OMB's Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards.

The Federal Interagency Technical Working Group on Race and Ethnicity Standards (Working Group) has released initial proposals for revising OMB's 1997 Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. Directive No. 15 provides minimum standards meant to ensure the ability to compare information and data across Federal agencies. This data directly affects the creation of and inclusion in Federal programs that support the unique needs of different identity groups, including Tribes. The initial proposed changes include, among others, the collecting race and ethnicity data together with a single question.

It is long-established that Federal and State data collection efforts are flawed and inaccurate when it comes to Tribal communities and that accurate data is imperative to identifying and solving the needs of Tribal communities. Input from Tribal non-governmental stakeholders and communities will be critical to help guide the Working Group as it continues to refine and finalize its recommendations to better serve Tribes and other groups affected by the OMB’s Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards.

Comments must be provided in writing to OMB no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

To submit a comment, visit http://www.regulations.gov, type “OMB-2023-0001” in the Comment or Submission search box, click “Go”, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.

For more information and resources, please visit:

Posted on

February 15, 2023

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AIPI COVID-19 Update March 21, 2020

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 16:24:00 +0000

AIPI COVID-19 Update March 21, 2020

spesweviwridri… (not verified) March 21, 2020

AIPI Blog

AIPI COVID-19 Update March 21, 2020

Three Ways the Federal Administration is Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak

The federal administration is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, in part, by giving Americans more time to file and pay taxes, challenging broadband industry providers to reduce barriers to access where possible, and increasing regulatory flexibility for federal grant recipients affected by the outbreak. Details below.

IRS Delaying Payments and Filing Dates

Tax Day has been moved back three months to July 15, 2020. The IRS previously announced that it would defer income tax payments until July 15, but initially left the filing deadline at April 15. The Secretary of the Treasury announced yesterday that the IRS will delay the income tax filing and payment deadline in response to the coronavirus.

Keep Americans Connected Pledge

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission Ajit Pai asked broadband service providers to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge in order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of serious disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The pledge reads as follows:

Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, [[Company Name]] pledges for the next 60 days to:

not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and

open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Dozens of providers have taken this pledge, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

In a related effort, National Digital Inclusion Alliance has compiled a list of current offers from ISPs that will help low-income households to acquire service at low or no cost. Most have eligibility limitations linked to income or program enrollment. The list also includes established, nationally available low-cost plans offered by nonprofit organizations. Other providers’ plans will be added as they learn of them.

OMB Issues Guidance to Grant-Issuing Agencies to Allow Flexibility for Affected Grantees

On March 9, 2020, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum (M-20-11) to the heads of executive departments and agencies, providing agencies with additional flexibilities for grants assisting the response to COVID-19.

On March 19, 2020, OMB issued a follow-up memorandum (M-20-17). This memorandum provides similar administrative relief listed in M-20-11 to an expanded scope of recipients affected by the loss of operational capacity and increased costs due to the COVID-19 crisis. This memorandum provides short term relief for administrative, financial management, and audit requirements under 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The memo lists 13 allowable actions: “Administrative Relief Exceptions for COVID-19 Crisis.”

Many of the authorized actions (see the full list at the link above) have to do with deadline extensions, allowability of abnormal processes, limited exemptions, and various administrative flexibilities. However, awarding agencies are required to maintain records on the level of particular exceptions provided to recipients. The relief does not compromise Federal financial assistance accountability requirements. Federal awarding agencies are authorized to take such actions, as they deem appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, with respect to the administrative provisions that apply to grantees affected by the COVID-19 (for both recipients with COVID-19 related grants and other types of Federal grants).

Posted on

March 21, 2020

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