Breaking barriers and building futures: Nicole Johnny’s mission to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Nicole Johnny, who is Kiyaa’áanii and born for Tsi’naajinii, is on a mission to reshape the narrative for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the world of venture capital.

As a member of a traditionally underserved and underrepresented community, Johnny’s journey to success is deeply rooted in her upbringing and cultural heritage, while also shaped by her determination to teach others to navigate and excel in modern financial systems.

Raised in Tóniłtsʼílí, in a household rooted in Navajo tradition, Johnny credits her grandparents for instilling in her a strong foundation of cultural knowledge. “My grandma may only have had a fifth-grade Western education,” she said, “but her cultural knowledge was at the highest, Ph.D. level.”

This duality – of profound traditional wisdom and systemic barriers to formal education – motivated Johnny to pursue higher education, eventually becoming the first in her family to earn a graduate degree. However, the road wasn’t easy. Reflecting on her undergraduate journey, Johnny recalls the financial and emotional hurdles she faced. Her determination led her to apply for and receive the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship, which she leveraged to fund her education.

“I knew I couldn’t fail,” she said. “I put so much pressure on myself because I felt this incredible responsibility to succeed for my family and community.”

Johnny’s professional career has been equally impressive and inspiring. With a decade of experience in finance, including roles in bond underwriting, portfolio management, and work on the federal Land Buy-Back Program, she has developed a unique skill set that she now applies to the venture capital space. Currently, she works with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, a firm dedicated to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing funding and support for their businesses.

One startling statistic drives Johnny’s passion: only 0.04% of venture capital funds in the U.S. go to Native founders. “That’s absolutely unacceptable,” she said. “When I look at the incredible talent in our communities, I see brilliant people and amazing businesses, but their stories aren’t being told, and they’re not being funded.”

Through her work with Raven, Johnny helps Indigenous-led businesses overcome systemic barriers and build sustainable success. Raven’s investment model, which aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, prioritizes social and economic well-being for Indigenous communities. Johnny’s recent trip to Australia highlighted the global importance of this mission. Speaking on panels alongside industry leaders like Bill Tai, she shared Raven’s impact model and learned from Indigenous innovators abroad.

Looking to the future, Johnny is determined to continue helping others through venture capital. She is currently collaborating with MIT Solve and New Mexico Angel Investors to organize a 2025 event in Albuquerque that will bring together Indigenous youth and professionals to explore STEM entrepreneurship. Her goal is to show the next generation that they can build their businesses while staying rooted in their communities and values.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Navajo Nation,” she said. “We need to support them to create a vibrant economy that allows us to thrive and take pride in our communities.”

Johnny shares a message of self-determination, innovation, and a commitment to paving the way for others. Her work is not just about investing money, but about investing in the future of her people.