I come from the Blackhawk family and am a proud citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation. During a traditional ceremony, my uncle gifted me the Ho-Chunk name Kaagi Hiugejga (Raven Queen)—a name I carry with deep gratitude and honor. In our tradition, a name reflects the strengths and gifts of the person who receives it. Although my uncle has since walked on, his gift continues to guide me with resilience, purpose, and strength.
The raven holds special meaning for me. Known for its intelligence, wisdom, adaptability, and deep awareness of its surroundings, the raven reminds me to listen with empathy, honor every voice, and see the well-being of the whole community. These values are at the heart of how I facilitate. Every conversation is an opportunity to create space for people to be heard, build understanding, and move forward together with shared purpose.
Today, I divide my time between Minnesota and Florida, where I continue my life's work through Blackhawk Facilitation LLC. I am passionate about helping organizations, Tribal Nations, nonprofits, and communities navigate meaningful conversations, strengthen leadership, and create strategic plans that lead to lasting action.
My work is grounded in the belief that inclusive participation leads to stronger decisions, deeper commitment, and more sustainable outcomes. I remain committed to helping organizations recognize and address systemic barriers, foster cultures of belonging and respect, and create environments where every person has the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, experience, and voice.
Facilitation is more than my profession—it is my calling. It is my way of honoring my ancestors, serving communities, and helping people build a stronger future together.
The raven holds special meaning for me. Known for its intelligence, wisdom, adaptability, and deep awareness of its surroundings, the raven reminds me to listen with empathy, honor every voice, and see the well-being of the whole community. These values are at the heart of how I facilitate. Every conversation is an opportunity to create space for people to be heard, build understanding, and move forward together with shared purpose.
Today, I divide my time between Minnesota and Florida, where I continue my life's work through Blackhawk Facilitation LLC. I am passionate about helping organizations, Tribal Nations, nonprofits, and communities navigate meaningful conversations, strengthen leadership, and create strategic plans that lead to lasting action.
My work is grounded in the belief that inclusive participation leads to stronger decisions, deeper commitment, and more sustainable outcomes. I remain committed to helping organizations recognize and address systemic barriers, foster cultures of belonging and respect, and create environments where every person has the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, experience, and voice.
Facilitation is more than my profession—it is my calling. It is my way of honoring my ancestors, serving communities, and helping people build a stronger future together.
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Dawn NewmanFacilitatorDawn Newman is the Founder and Principal Facilitator of Blackhawk Facilitation LLC and a Certified Technology of Participation (ToP®) Facilitator, Trainer, and Mentor Trainer. She specializes in participatory strategic planning, facilitation, leadership development, community engagement, and consensus-building processes that help organizations move from meaningful dialogue to purposeful action.
With more than 30 years of experience working alongside Tribal Nations, Indigenous organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations, Dawn designs and leads collaborative processes that foster trust, strengthen relationships, and create lasting results. Her facilitation style ensures every voice is heard while guiding groups toward shared understanding, informed decisions, and collective ownership. Using proven Technology of Participation (ToP®) methods, Dawn helps organizations navigate complex conversations, align diverse perspectives, resolve challenges, and develop practical strategies that inspire commitment and measurable progress. Her work creates environments where people feel respected, engaged, and empowered to contribute their best thinking. As an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Dawn brings both professional expertise and cultural understanding to her work. She is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous communities while also partnering with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, educational institutions, and businesses seeking inclusive, participatory approaches to planning and leadership. Prior to founding Blackhawk Facilitation, Dawn served as an American Indian Leadership and Civic Engagement Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, where she worked with Tribal communities across Minnesota to strengthen leadership, civic engagement, and community capacity. Dawn holds a Master of Science in Education from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and commitment to building stronger organizations, communities, and leaders through meaningful participation. Connect on LinkedIn |