The Board of Directors of 565 Generation Next, Inc. is composed entirely of enrolled citizens of the Shinnecock Nation who bring a diverse range of professional expertise in social services, finance, community development, cultural preservation, youth engagement, and environmental stewardship.
The Board reflects a strong commitment to Indigenous leadership, intergenerational knowledge-sharing, and community-driven solutions. Collectively, members have extensive experience working with tribal governance systems, nonprofit programming, financial management, and culturally grounded education initiatives.
This leadership structure ensures that all organizational decisions are rooted in cultural integrity, sustainability, and the advancement of Native food sovereignty, community wellness, and economic empowerment. The Board provides strategic oversight, fiscal accountability, and programmatic guidance to ensure the long-term success and impact of the organization’s mission.
Meesha Johnson is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation and the Founder and CEO of 565 Generation Next, Inc. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Social Work and is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
Ms. Johnson has extensive experience collaborating with government representatives and was instrumental in establishing the Native American Advisory Board for Suffolk County, New York. As a leader living with blindness, she is a dedicated advocate for accessibility and inclusion, particularly for differently-abled individuals.
She actively serves on the Shinnecock Health Committee and Shinnecock Education Committee, bringing a strong focus on community wellness, education, and culturally responsive programming.
Michelle Johnson is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Native Community Building. She played a key role in the establishment of the Nation’s Housing Department and Senior Nutrition Program.
She serves on the Shinnecock Governance Committee and the Shinnecock Elders Council and is a strong advocate for the development of a formal Judicial System within the Nation. Her work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening tribal infrastructure and supporting elders and families.
Sunshine Gumbs is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation with over a decade of professional experience in banking, including her role as Head Customer Service Representative at Suffolk County National Bank.
She provides financial oversight and fiscal management for the organization. In addition, she works as an independent contractor delivering cultural education and programming for the Shinnecock Cultural Enrichment Department and the Shinnecock Boys & Girls Club.
Ms. Gumbs is also the owner of Sunshine Designs LLC and serves as Lead Project Manager for the Shinnecock Indicators of Climate Change Impact project, which focuses on identifying and preserving traditional Native plant knowledge.
Starleaf Gumbs is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation and holds a degree in Fashion Design. She is the owner of Menuhki, a clothing business named after the Algonquin word for “strong.”
She has contributed to the development of fair and secure voting practices through her work with the Shinnecock Election Committee. She is also a cultural practitioner who creates traditional regalia and participates in Native cultural events, supporting the preservation and sharing of Indigenous traditions.
Summersnow Stith is a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation and serves as the young adult representative on the Board, ensuring youth voice and perspective in organizational decision-making.
She is a graduate of Southampton High School and has attended Suffolk County Community College. She has represented the Nation through her work with Native Like Water, a nonprofit focused on water-based wellness and cultural connection, with international travel experience including Mexico, Belize, and Jamaica.
Ms. Stith is a certified yoga instructor and entrepreneur, operating Sincerely Summer, where she creates handmade jewelry, medicinal teas, and wellness products that promote healing and balance. She also has experience working with youth through the Shinnecock Boys & Girls Club.
The Board of 565 Generation Next, Inc. meets regularly to provide oversight on organizational strategy, financial management, and program implementation. The organization maintains clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring separation of duties and strong fiscal accountability practices.
Board members collectively contribute expertise in financial oversight, program development, cultural education, and community engagement, positioning the organization to successfully manage grant funding and deliver measurable outcomes aligned with Native agricultural development and food sovereignty initiatives.