Willie J. Carrillo Sr. is the founder and president of the Native Star Foundation and a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty, education, and community development. A former CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of the Tule River Tribe and Vice President of the Pacific Region for the National Congress of American Indians, he has also served two elected terms on the Tule River Yokuts Tribal Council—as Secretary in 2010 and Treasurer in 2015. Mr. Carrillo’s leadership includes serving as President of the California Indian Education Association and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for D-Q University. Over his career, he has contributed to numerous committees focused on advancing health, education, youth development, economic growth, and cultural preservation in tribal communities.