Independent (Mari Hicks)

Scattering Seedlings is an Indigenous woman–led social impact enterprise evolving to meet the urgency of the climate moment. Founded as a consultancy, Scattering Seedlings began by providing strategic visioning, project planning, and implementation support to nonprofits, Tribal governments, and social enterprises. This work was grounded in systems thinking, relationship-building, and a deep understanding of how policy, funding, and community priorities intersect. Through this early phase, Scattering Seedlings helped mission-driven organizations clarify their goals, strengthen operations, and move complex projects forward with intention and accountability. Today, Scattering Seedlings is growing into a social impact venture studio focused on climate solutions led by Indigenous women. The studio model reflects a belief that Indigenous leadership, land-based knowledge, and collective approaches are essential to addressing the climate crisis—and that these solutions must be supported by strong business infrastructure to be sustainable and scalable. As a venture studio, Scattering Seedlings partners with Indigenous women founders at early and growth stages to co-build climate-focused ventures. We provide hands-on strategic support across operations, marketing, and storytelling; help founders design viable business models; and connect them to networks of collaborators, mentors, and values-aligned capital. Scattering Seedlings exists to close persistent gaps in the climate and investment ecosystems, where Indigenous women are underfunded despite being leaders in environmental stewardship and community resilience. By combining strategic expertise with culturally grounded approaches, the studio aims to strengthen Indigenous-led climate solutions that are rooted in place, responsive to community needs, and capable of shaping more just and regenerative futures. At its core, Scattering Seedlings is about planting ideas, nurturing leadership, and creating the conditions for Indigenous women–led climate solutions to take root and thrive.