NATIVE OWNED & LED
Meet Alexander ‘Brave Journey’ Sterling, Founder & CEO of TICC
Alexander “Brave Journey” Sterling brings his Ramapo Lenape, Cuban, and Black heritage to his visionary leadership of Turtle Island Community Capital. His background reflects the rich diversity within Indigenous communities while remaining firmly rooted in Native values and priorities.
As a recognized leader in renewable energy finance and economic development, Alexander has dedicated his career to advancing Indigenous-led clean energy solutions. His expertise stems from hands-on experience deploying solar and storage solutions across Native lands, always with an eye toward long-term energy sovereignty and economic resilience.
Alexander’s Career Highlights:
- Founded Turtle Island Community Capital to establish a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) expanding capital access for tribal communities, small businesses, and clean energy projects
- Served as Director of Energy Project Development for a $135 million Solar For All initiative, deploying thousands of solar+storage systems across 14 Native communities
- Managed $45 million in private sector utility-scale solar projects and hundreds of residential installations
- Developed specialized expertise in supply chain optimization, logistics management, financial forecasting, and data-driven decision-making
- Engaged with House and Senate leaders in policy development at federal and local levels
- Campaigned for improved public health and emissions regulations
- Built communication channels between local public administration offices and tribal communities
Alexander’s Vision for Indigenous Economic Sovereignty
“Economic sovereignty is inseparable from tribal sovereignty,” Alexander often says. His leadership of TICC reflects this core belief—that Native communities must control their economic destinies to truly exercise self-determination.
Under his guidance, TICC is pioneering regenerative economic models that strengthen Native nations while promoting climate resilience. By increasing access to capital and financial education, Alexander is working to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically limited economic opportunities in Indigenous communities.
As a respected speaker on Native-led energy finance, Alexander continues to shape policies and investment strategies that prioritize Indigenous economic self-determination. His approach combines pragmatic business acumen with a profound respect for traditional knowledge and values.
A Team Rooted in Native Values
Alexander leads a diverse team of professionals who share a commitment to economic justice for Native communities. Together, they bring expertise in finance, community development, renewable energy, and traditional ecological knowledge to every aspect of TICC’s work.
Our advisory circle includes respected elders and leaders from various Native nations, ensuring that our strategies remain aligned with Indigenous priorities and perspectives.
Walking Our Talk
As a Native-owned organization, we don’t just serve Indigenous communities—we are of those communities. Our success is measured not just in financial returns, but in how effectively we strengthen tribal sovereignty, preserve cultural heritage, and create sustainable prosperity for future generations.
We invite you to learn more about our team, our Parntner Resilience Network, and our vision for an economic system that honors the first peoples of this land.
Turtle Island Community Capital 