Karrisa Newkirk

Karrisa Hodge, a dynamic leader and advocate, serves as the President and Founder of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta, dedicated to addressing the urgent issue of violence against Indigenous women. With ancestral ties to three Tribal Nations on both her maternal and paternal sides, Karrisa proudly represents the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma in honor of her auntie Wanda and Ibah (ee-bah) David. As a devoted mother of two daughters, with a son on the way, Karrisa's nurturing extends beyond her immediate family, having raised and provided guardianship to her two younger brothers, now aged 19 and 23. Her commitment to community welfare is further evident through her eight-year tenure with the Choctaw Nation, where she has made significant contributions.

Karrisa is a certified Public Speaker, Trainer, and Coach under the esteemed guidance of John Maxwell. Her involvement in prestigious programs such as the Native Organizers Alliance 2022 Training and the 2024 Native Leadership Oklahoma demonstrates her dedication to advancing Indigenous causes on a national scale.

Recognized for her exceptional leadership, Karrisa's foundation, the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta, was honored with the 2024 ONE Award (Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Award). Through this platform, she has had the privilege of addressing numerous Indigenous communities and conferences, advocating for safer spaces where Indigenous people can access knowledge, overcome oppression, and unite for collective strength.

Karrisa's overarching goal is to eradicate the need for initiatives like MMIW, MMIR, or MMIP's by empowering Indigenous individuals with vital awareness, resources for healthy relationships, red flag identification, and self-defense techniques. She firmly believes that with comprehensive training, both law enforcement agencies and communities can collaborate effectively to prevent the tragic outcomes of human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder within Indigenous populations.

Driven by a profound sense of duty to her Indigenous relatives, Karrisa Hodge is a beacon of hope, tirelessly working towards a future where safety, justice, and empowerment are not just aspirations but everyday realities for Indigenous communities.