Emergence LLC
Founder Liz Welch
What I’m working on now
My passion is helping community-based leaders and organizations have the resources and infrastructure to dismantle unjust systems and accelerate community change. Here’s what I’m working on right now (updated December 2025.
Strengthening Fundraising Infrastructure
at NDN Collective
Over the last several years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work alongside NDN Collective’s leadership and advancement teams–helping to build the resources and infrastructure to support a movement for Indigenous self-determination across Turtle Island. I’m currently serving as NDN’s Director of Advancement, continuing to support the organization’s capacity to invest in the collective power of Indigenous leaders and communities. As the largest Indigenous-led fund in existence, NDN has provided over $100 million in transformational grant support to more than 700 Indigenous-led organizations and leaders.
Supporting Dynamic Community-Based Organizations at Emergence LLC
As the founder of Emergence LLC, I continue to support a limited number of community-based nonprofit organizations–creating equity-based advancement systems that deepen their capacity to drive change. Over the last seven years, the team at Emergence raised over $100 million for Indigenous-led organizations across the country, advancing their work in culturally-grounded education, food sovereignty, economic development, and more. As of January 2026, I’ll be leading Emergence’s work independently again — remaining committed to working with leaders and organizations to dismantle the barriers that create injustice.
Time for Reflection on Building Sustainable Social Justice Movements
After over a decade in this work of building organizations that support and build movements for justice and equity I want to spend more time reflecting on what that means and what we’ve learned. The continuation and rise of white supremacist and fascist ideologies that go with it–have brought deep fears around what the future holds, but I do believe we have strong movements to fight against this. I think one way to push back is to create more time for reflection, writing, and creative space to see what new ideas come to be. As I take the time to do that I will focus my writing and speaking on ways we can support the growth and strengthening of social justice movements in whatever role we hold.
Parenting Alee and Kai
If you’ve ever stopped by my home or office you have likely met Alee and Kai. These two wonderful children are curious about literally everything in the world around them. They enjoy playing sports, singing, dancing, handgames, raising chickens, learning Lakota and are both entrepreneurs. If there is something new to try or learn about they are there ready to jump in. I love building an environment for them to have access to participate in their community and lead new efforts like Porcupine Snacks and Lightning Lemonade. So when I’m not building with my clients, I’m likely building and learning with them.