Advisory Board

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Strategic Advisor, 

Financial Services Innovation

George Schmelzel is a senior executive and financial strategist with over 30 years of leadership in banking, payments, lending, and financial technology. He has served in key executive roles at institutions including Santander Consumer USA, First National Bank Omaha, and UMB Financial Corporation, and is the Founder and CEO of GFS & Associates, advising firms on innovation in financial services. As Strategic Advisor to Sovereign Indigenous Capital, George provides guidance on financial services innovation, lending models, and economic inclusion strategies that support SIC’s long-term vision for Indigenous sovereignty. His expertise strengthens the foundation for future SIC initiatives in fintech, community credit, and inclusive financial infrastructure.

Investment Advisor

Francis Gillis is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with deep experience in the agriculture, cannabis, social finance, and resource sectors. Early in his career, he served as an executive at one of the world’s largest mining companies, where he gained significant expertise in large-scale operations and resource management. Following this, Francis pursued his education in social finance at Oxford University, where he deepened his focus on aligning capital with sustainable and values-driven outcomes. He then went on to found and scale a successful cannabis cultivation business, which was acquired by a leading Canadian cannabis company. He remained with the firm post-acquisition, strategically exiting his equity position at a market peak. As an advisor to Sovereign Indigenous Capital, Francis brings a sharp understanding of mergers and acquisitions, sustainable investment, and corporate strategy—supporting SIC’s mission to advance economic sovereignty through high-impact, values-aligned investing.

Sustainable Growth Advisor

Bella Nguyen, an advisor with over 15 years of experience, guides businesses to optimize resources, streamline operations, and innovate profit-driven solutions. She advises Sovereign Indigenous Capital on enhancing operational efficiency and launching impactful projects, leveraging her expertise in business model validation, product development, and project management. In 2019, she earned the prestigious JMK Scholarship for "Women in Business" from Zonta International’s District 2, complementing her distinguished Master of Entrepreneurship from Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management. Passionate about results, Bella empowers SIC with strategies in database design and user experience to drive sustainable growth for SIC and Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Health Project Advisor

Sarah Mayes is a seasoned Health Project Advisor with more than 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and public health. Holding dual Master's degrees in Public Health (University of Victoria) and Journalism (Carleton University), she has led impactful national public safety initiatives, worked with Indigenous partners to co-create culturally safe health promotion materials, and supported health equity projects for the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sarah excels at coalition building, strategic planning, grant writing, and project management. Sovereign Indigenous Capital (SIC) will leverage her expertise to develop health-focused investment projects that ensure cultural safety and community impact. Sarah will also use her communications and advocacy skills to enhance SIC's outreach, and secure partnerships and funding to promote Indigenous health equity and economic well-being.