about us
Mission
Our mission is to serve Native American communities with education, health and preserving cultural history.
We recognize the unique challenges faced by indigenous peoples across the United States and are dedicated to empowering them through accessible education initiatives.
From providing scholarships to supporting community-based learning programs, we strive to ensure that Native youth have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive academically and culturally.
At NATIVE-CONNECTION.ORG, we are committed to creating a brighter future for Native communities, one where education, health, and cultural heritage are valued and supported.
Board of directors
Liam Anderson
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Liam Anderson, known by his Ongweoweh name ΘHRAHĘ́ʔNARA ʔΘ, is dedicated to achieving economic sovereignty for his people through a career in revenue management.
A Cornell University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration from the SC Johnson College of Business, Liam has demonstrated leadership as Co-Chair of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). In this role, he represented Cornell at regional conferences, facilitating conversations to bridge Traditional Ecological Knowledge with modern STEM fields and advocating for Indigenous students in science and technology.
His professional experience includes roles such as Client Experience Manager and Coordinator at Caesars Entertainment, where he enhanced customer engagement and collaborated across departments to ensure seamless site tours and personalized experiences.
As a Management Trainee at Caesars Entertainment, he reshaped job descriptions to align with company goals and gained a comprehensive understanding of various departments.
His earlier roles include promoting diversity and operational efficiency at Wyndham Grand Jupiter and managing renovation projects at Quality Hotel at the Falls.
Liam’s commitment to his community is evident in his involvement with the Iroquois Nationals, where he played in World Lacrosse Championships and led youth camps, promoting safety and teamwork.
Petra Smeltzer Starke
Board Member
Petra Smeltzer Starke is a multifaceted professional with a diverse career spanning law, business, and wellness. Born in Kromeriz, Czech Republic, she excelled academically, earning degrees in international trade and diplomacy from the Prague School of Economics before moving to the United States to attend Georgetown University Law Center.
Starke served as General Counsel to the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama and later assisted the Biden-Harris Transition Team on ethics matters.
She is the founder and CEO of SweatNGlow, a wellness brand focused on yoga and healthy living.
Additionally, she has worked as a model and continues to advocate for female empowerment and positive body image through her various initiatives.
George Starke
Board Member
George Lawrence Starke, known as “Head Hog,” played as an offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins from 1972 to 1984.
Born in New York City and raised in New Rochelle, he attended Columbia University, majoring in physics and playing football as a tight end before being drafted by the Redskins in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft.
Despite initial career setbacks, he became a cornerstone of the Redskins’ offensive line, participating in three Super Bowls and winning Super Bowl XVII. Beyond his NFL career, Starke pursued television broadcasting and business ventures, including a Ford dealership and BBQ restaurants.
He also founded the Excel Institute, a non-profit providing education and vocational training for at-risk youth in Washington, D.C.
Hugh Burnam
Board Member
Hugh Burnam, Ph.D. (Mohawk, Wolf Clan) conducts research related to social justice issues in education and has experience with grant funded student support.
His dissertation was titled: Haudenosaunee Men and Masculinities in Higher
Education: Perceptions, Reminders, and Responsibilities to Community.
Hugh is currently a Postdoc Research Affiliate in the Department for Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park, where he researches health disparities and supports educational programming related to cancer in Indigenous communities.
In his capacity with the Native American Indian Education Association of New York State (NAIEA/NY), Hugh volunteers alongside Native communities in NYS to support and advocate for Indigenous education broadly.
In published and forthcoming work, Dr. Burnam uses an interdisciplinary lens to research topics related to Indigenous education including: Indigenous methodologies, autoethnography, social media and post-digital science, and environmental studies.
Hugh received his doctorate from the Cultural Foundations of Education program at Syracuse University, his master’s degree in Adult Education from Buffalo State University, and his bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies (Ethnic and Minority Studies) from Buffalo State University.
Hugh loves spending time with his family, especially his two sons, the inspiration for his work.
Salina Kravetz
Board Member
Salina Kravetz, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, graduated from UNLV with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Salina has been dedicated to supporting minority businesses by providing them with tools and resources to help them grow within their communities.
Currently, she is focused on bringing an indigenous voice and perspective to the corporate world in hotels, groups, businesses, andamong business owners.
