Our family matriarch, Dr. Jennifer Clay (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), is a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Her life’s work has focused on healing Native communities, helping others reconcile with historical trauma and using art as a path to restoration. As a guiding force behind Original Clay, she serves in an advisory role, helping shape our vision, center our values and root everything we do in the power of cultural healing.

Benjamin (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) is a published writer and professor of rhetoric and literature at San Diego State University. His academic background and passion for storytelling bring a rare creative lens to the world of grant writing. He specializes in supporting BIPOC cultural projects that challenge the status quo and uplift voices often silenced or overlooked. 

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Maloa (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) is a seasoned grant writer with a decade of experience supporting Tribes and Native nonprofits. She has secured millions in public and private funding for community-based projects that center Native voices, cultural preservation, housing and healing. Maloa brings deep knowledge of the grant landscape, an unwavering commitment to justice and a unique ability to tell stories that resonate with funders and community alike.

Christina Hollie is a children’s book author who lives in Portland, Oregon. She has a deep passion for writing and believes in the power of storytelling to create change. Her work reflects a strong commitment to uplifting BIPOC nonprofits and creatives who are building more inclusive and equitable communities. Christina writes with purpose and care, using her voice to bring visibility to people and stories that are often overlooked. She is dedicated to helping others feel seen and heard through both her books and her advocacy.