Her Story
About Brandi
Brandi Charging Eagle, BA, is an Individual Giving Manager at Sicangu Co, where she leads donor engagement and fundraising initiatives that support Indigenous-led community development across the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. A proud Sicangu Lakota tribal member, she serves as the primary liaison between the organization and its donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community supporters all around the world. Her work focuses on strengthening philanthropic partnerships that advance long-term initiatives in education, food sovereignty, language revitalization, land stewardship, youth leadership, and community wellness. Before transitioning into nonprofit fundraising, Brandi built valuable experience in tribal, state, and federal background investigations while serving the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services–Mental Health from Sinte Gleska University, providing her with a strong foundation in advocacy, communication, and community-centered service. She has further strengthened her fundraising expertise through many professional certifications in nonprofit fundraising and donor development. As an American Indian College Fund Scholar and Coca-Cola Scholar, Brandi has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to academic excellence and leadership. Grounded in her Sicangu Lakota heritage, Brandi is passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen Indigenous communities for future generations. She believes confidence, resilience, and authenticity are essential qualities for personal and professional growth, encouraging others to pursue opportunities even when they feel uncertain or underqualified. Outside of her career, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and continuing to expand her education while serving her community with purpose and dedication.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brandi
01What do you attribute your success to?
My first born son. I was still in high school when I gave birth to my amazing little boy. From that moment on, I knew I needed to make my life worth something, because I was who he would look up to first. Even when he had to attend my high school classes, college classes, graduations, and simple work days with me, I tried my best to show him that no obstacle is too big when it comes to believing in your dreams.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't ever be scared to bring your own ideas.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Confidence is key. Be scared, but do it anyway; be underqualified and get in the room anyway; be unsure and show up anyway; comfort is the enemy of growth; be uncomfortable. I encourage other young women to believe in themselves, carry themselves with confidence, and always strive to be the strongest person in the room in their own minds.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My biggest challenge, yet biggest opportunity, is that our organization is growing so amazingly and it's hard to keep up sometimes! My team is getting job ads out to expand and keep up with the growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility (Wówaȟwala) and Compassion and Kindness (Wówauŋšila).
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