Viswatej Attili
Policy Associate @National Congress Of American Indians
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WORK HISTORY
Policy Associate @National Congress Of American Indians
At the National Congress of American Indians, the oldest and largest organization representing Tribal Nations, I architected and drove national policy at the critical intersection of technology, environmental justice, and Tribal sovereignty. My work involved translating complex legal and technical challenges into powerful, actionable strategies to defend and advance the rights of 575 federally recognized nations.I spearheaded NCAI’s entire artificial intelligence policy portfolio, authoring a series of influential formal comments that established the organization as a leading voice on the issue. I developed and championed the concept of “Sovereignty by Design,” urging federal agencies to ensure that Tribal rights are built into the very architecture of new technologies. My strategy engaged the highest levels of government:• For the White House and National Science Foundation, I framed partnership with Tribal Nations as a national security imperative, outlining how recognizing Tribal Digital Sovereignty is essential to winning the global AI race.• For the Federal Trade Commission, I exposed the direct threat that unregulated AI chatbots pose to Indigenous youth and cultural integrity, demanding the agency use its authority to investigate the technology’s deceptive and dangerous design.• For the Department of the Interior, I directly addressed the Secretary, successfully advocating for the inclusion of Tribal governments in the Department\'s AI governance to honor its federal trust responsibility.This technology-focused work was built on a strong foundation of environmental advocacy. My leadership on NCAI’s official response to the Supreme Court\'s Sackett v. EPA decision was pivotal in the national fight to protect Tribal water rights and sovereignty. I transformed complex policy challenges into compelling narratives and concrete action, ensuring the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations are central to the nation\'s most important conversations about its future.
EDUCATION
University of Wyoming
Masters, Watershed Management & Water Resources
Kansas State University
Environmental Leadership, Organizational Leadership
Vellore Institute of Technology
BTech, IT
University of Wyoming
PhD, Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management
Vijnana Vihara, Gudilova
High School, Sciences
ABOUT VISWATEJ ATTILI
For over 17 years, I have led at the critical intersection of environmental policy, advanced technology, and Tribal sovereignty, turning complex challenges into measurable impact and lasting systems change. I am known for transforming ambiguity into strategy and strategy into decisive action. Pioneering National AI Policy: As the architect of AI policy for the nation’s largest Tribal organization, I authored influential federal comments and created the “Sovereignty by Design” framework to ensure that Tribal rights, data, and digital sovereignty are built into the foundation of emerging technologies. Leading High-Stakes Environmental Advocacy: I spearheaded the national response to the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision, drafting the definitive comment letter that defended Tribal water sovereignty and reshaped the federal conversation on environmental protection. Delivering Complex Technical Solutions: With a strong background in environmental science, I have managed multidisciplinary teams, overseen multi-million-dollar projects from concept to completion, and contributed to patented technologies for arsenic remediation and CO₂ reduction. I build consensus across Tribal Nations, federal agencies, and private-sector partners, ensuring that equity, innovation, and sovereignty guide every initiative. My leadership combines technical expertise, policy fluency, and a relentless commitment to achieving strategic outcomes. I am actively exploring opportunities where I can advance technology, sustainability, and sovereignty on a national or global scale. Let’s connect, reach me directly at v••••••••@gmail.com to discuss how I can help your organization lead with purpose and impact. Key Proficiencies: Environmental & Technology Policy Tribal Consultation & Sovereignty Federal & State Regulatory Strategy Project & Program Leadership Grant Writing & Budget Management Climate Change Modeling Advanced Technologies (AI, Drones, Sensors) Federal Regulations (CWA, CERCLA, ESA, NHPA)
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