Leading with Heart, Heritage, and Humility

Some leaders are born, and some are called. For Lisa Goree, the first female chairwoman of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, life’s path wasn’t one she mapped out for herself—it was one that unfolded before her. “Life threw me a curve ball,” she says with a smile. “I caught it, and I ran with it.”

Born in Southampton and raised on the Shinnecock Reservation, Lisa’s roots run deep in the community she now leads. A graduate of Riverhead High School, she built her life surrounded by family. Married, with three daughters and six grandchildren—all of whom live with her on the reservation in a compound-like arrangement with separate homes, Lisa knows that family is the heartbeat of everything she does.

A Historic First

In 1995, a pivotal change came when Shinnecock women were finally given the right to vote in tribal elections. Before that, leadership was decided by men alone. Fast forward to April 2024, when Lisa was elected as the Nation’s first female chairwoman. Today, she oversees 800 acres of tribal land, the government’s structure, employment decisions, and business ventures.

When asked how it feels to have been chosen for this role, her response is deeply grounded:

“It is a humbling experience. I am humbled that they voted for me and have confidence in me.”

Lisa never set out to become chairwoman, yet her people saw in her the steady strength, fairness, and compassion needed to guide both family and Nation.

The Balancing Act of a Matriarch

For Lisa, the role of matriarch is both a blessing and a challenge. “Sometimes it’s hard to balance family and Nation,” she admits. “You give too much of yourself.” She has learned that even strong women need to pause. Her advice is gentle but firm: “You just have to stop and give some time to yourself. Relax, eat some comfort food, watch a show, decompress.”

It’s wisdom every woman can relate to—especially in retirement years, when many finally have time to reflect on how much of themselves they’ve given. To other women at this stage of life, Lisa offers a powerful message:

“Do not set any limitations.”

 Women as the Backbone

Lisa sees women as the backbone not only of families but of entire communities. “We as women need to support each other in a positive light,” she says. “Small gestures—a phone call, a visit—make all the difference. We need to be there for each other and for the elderly.” On the reservation, the community takes pride in caring for its elders themselves.

Her perspective is a reminder of the spiritual calmness and connection that comes from honoring tradition and kinship. The thread running through Lisa’s leadership is simple yet profound: community, compassion, and continuity.

A Living Legacy

As the first woman to hold the position of chairwoman of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Lisa Goree is making history. Yet she does so with humility, never forgetting her family, her roots, and her people. She is proof that leadership can be both strong and soft, visionary and grounded.

And in her words, every Long Island woman can find encouragement: “We all share similar experiences and can relate to one another. Let’s be there for each other anyway we can.”

Lisa Goree reminds us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about service, balance, and love for both family and community.