We recently had the chance to connect with Judy Lichtenberger and have shared our conversation below.
Judy , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For years, I held back from stepping fully into the spotlight with Eagle Eye Signings and our nonprofit, Voices of the Fire Council. There was this constant fear of vulnerability, you know? And beyond that, the immense pressure of ensuring our representation remained authentic and respectful. When you’re speaking for a community and heritage that’s been misrepresented so often, that responsibility feels enormous.
But I’ve reached this pivotal moment where I realize the urgency of our mission far outweighs my personal fears. We’re empowering people to celebrate their Indigenous heritage through education, community building, and cultural initiatives. We’re fostering pride, connection, and renewed appreciation for ancestral traditions that deserve to be honored and shared.
What I’m called to do now is create spaces where people can embrace their cultural identities without hesitation. That means getting uncomfortable: actively engaging in conversations about heritage, boldly sharing our initiatives, and inviting more people into this journey of rediscovery and pride. It also means reaching out to potential supporters who resonate with our mission and asking for help, which has always been challenging for me.
Embracing this call isn’t just about overcoming my own fears. It’s about inspiring others to connect with their Indigenous roots and join our collective mission. Together, we’re creating a movement that honors our ancestors while paving the way for future generations.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Our story began in 2025 when three dedicated individuals from Katy, Texas, came together with a shared vision: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Indigenous communities. We recognized a significant gap in communication and resources, particularly around notary public services for Indian reservations and underserved Indigenous Elders. That recognition sparked the creation of Voices of the Fire Council as our nonprofit organization, designed to bridge that crucial divide.
What makes Voices of the Fire Council special is our holistic approach to cultural empowerment. We don’t just focus on education. We’re building community and creating meaningful cultural experiences that resonate deeply with people’s heritage. Currently, we offer four comprehensive classes designed to deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures, plus an e-book that serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore their heritage further. We also maintain an active blog that provides insights, stories, and updates about our initiatives, creating a genuine space for dialogue and connection.
Our logo tells our story beautifully. It features a lady with talons poised to assist, symbolizing our commitment to both giving and receiving. Every design element reflects our dedication to uplifting and empowering Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. We exist to ignite your inner fire and inspire you to live with passion and purpose.
Together, we’re creating a network of support that fosters real connection and understanding, ultimately transforming the lives of those we serve. I invite everyone to join us on this journey, whether through participating in our classes, sharing your stories, engaging with our blog, or supporting our mission through donations. Together, we can build a vibrant community that honors our past while creating a brighter future for generations to come.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I reflect on my earliest memory of feeling powerful, I’m transported back to my childhood in Yuma, Arizona, surrounded by lemon trees and the gentle flow of irrigation canals. One particular moment stands out vividly: I was running through the orchards, my bare feet touching the cool earth, feeling the warm sun on my skin. My Grandpa Johnny used to call me Running Water, and it was in those precious moments that I truly felt a deep connection to the land and all the life within it.
I remember the pure joy of gathering with my family around those lemon trees, the air filled with the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of the fruit. It was a time when I understood instinctively that we were part of something much larger than ourselves. The lemons we picked weren’t just a source of refreshment. They were symbols of resilience and abundance. I felt genuine power in knowing that we were nurturing the earth and reaping its generous rewards.
The irrigation canals, bringing precious water from the Colorado River, were our lifeline. They taught me that water is sacred, a resource to be deeply respected. This understanding instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and purpose. I realized that I had the power to contribute to our family’s well-being and to honor the land that sustained us.
In those moments, I felt empowered not just as a young girl running through the orchards, but as a steward of the environment, connected to my heritage and the timeless teachings of my grandparents. This foundation of respect for the land and understanding the vital importance of sustainability has shaped everything about who I am today. It gave me the strength to advocate passionately for our Indigenous ways and the environment that sustains us all.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
When I reflect on the struggles and resilience I experienced as a child, I would tell my younger self to be patient and gentle with the journey ahead. There were moments when sadness and fear felt overwhelming, clouding my vision and silencing my voice. In those difficult times, I learned the profound importance of being patient with myself. I discovered that it was perfectly okay to feel lost and scared, and that healing wasn’t always instantaneous. Embracing my emotions allowed me to process them in healthy ways, cultivating genuine resilience from within.
Listening to my grandparents became another pillar of strength during my childhood. Their wisdom resonated deeply with me, especially when they urged me to stay in school. They would share powerful stories of people who tried to take everything away from others: material possessions, opportunities, and even dreams. Yet they always emphasized that no one could ever take away what was in my brain, the knowledge and experiences I gained through education. This mantra became my guiding light, reminding me that my intellect and understanding were my most valuable, unshakeable assets.
In moments of uncertainty, I found deep comfort in the stories my grandparents shared. They painted vivid pictures of resilience, illustrating how education empowered individuals to rise above adversity. Their words instilled lasting hope, encouraging me to persevere even when the world felt impossibly heavy. I learned that while the path may be filled with challenges, the journey of learning and growth would always be mine to control.
As I navigated childhood’s inevitable ups and downs, I found solace in small victories: completing a challenging assignment, mastering a new skill, or simply sharing genuine laughter with friends. Each success, no matter how minor it seemed, reinforced my belief in my capabilities and fortified my spirit against whatever trials lay ahead.
Most importantly, I would tell that little girl: You are good enough, you are special, and you have a voice. Now use it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As a member of the Voices of the Fire Council, I hold dear the cultural value of authenticity and the belief that it’s perfectly acceptable to experience hard times. In recognizing our vulnerabilities, we foster connections that reveal a profound truth: we are more alike than we are different. This core value aligns seamlessly with our Isbister’s Notary Empowerment Initiative, which aims to equip Indigenous elders and community members with essential skills for performing notarizations while enhancing their capacity to manage administrative affairs and reinforcing community autonomy.
This initiative serves Indigenous elders and community members who need accessible legal documentation services, specifically targeting reservation residents and underserved Indigenous populations with limited access to legal resources. By addressing these critical needs, we empower individuals while benefiting the broader community through smoother legal processes and preserved cultural and legal autonomy.
The outcomes are truly transformative. We anticipate increased legal literacy and confidence among Indigenous elders and community members, enabling them to navigate their legal landscapes with greater assurance. Improved access to vital services like estate planning, powers of attorney, and document notarization emerges as a direct result of this empowerment. As individuals gain practical notary skills, they contribute to greater community resilience, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency.
What makes this initiative special is how it fosters trust, connection, and empowerment within Indigenous communities through education and support. It creates a foundation for future leaders who seek not just personal success, but meaningful impact and generational change.
At the heart of our work are values that resonate deeply with our cultural identity. Cultural respect and sovereignty come first, ensuring our training incorporates Indigenous traditions and knowledge. We believe in empowerment and self-sufficiency, fostering independence by equipping community members with skills for confidently managing their legal and administrative needs. Accessibility and inclusivity remain paramount as we provide culturally appropriate notary training and services, reducing barriers to essential legal resources.
Our community-centered approach prioritizes the needs and voices of Indigenous peoples, ensuring their insights and aspirations lead our work. We value education and capacity building as pathways to strengthening community resilience and legal literacy, while building trust through culturally sensitive practices and advocating for fair access to legal services.
Ultimately, the Isbister’s Notary Empowerment Initiative embodies authenticity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to human rights and dignity. By equipping Indigenous elders and community members with these essential skills, we enhance their capacity for self-governance and contribute to a future where our communities thrive with confidence and empowerment.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I find my greatest sense of peace in those moments when I know I’ve made a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s providing a notary assignment that helps facilitate an important legal process, offering a thoughtful review of a company that genuinely deserves recognition, or simply listening to the concerns of our Elders, these acts of service resonate deeply within me. They remind me that we’re fundamentally in the people business, a calling that transcends mere transactions and speaks to the heart of our shared humanity.
When I engage with others, I feel a profound connection that nourishes my spirit. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to uplift someone, to validate their experiences, and to offer support in ways that truly matter. Providing notary services, for instance, goes far beyond the act of signing a document. It represents a commitment to facilitating trust and dignity in legal matters. I take genuine pride in knowing that by helping someone navigate their administrative needs, I’m contributing to their sense of security and autonomy.
Offering company reviews becomes a platform for advocacy, a chance to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. When I take the time to reflect on and share experiences, I not only help others make informed decisions but also foster a culture of accountability and encouragement within our communities. Recognizing businesses committed to ethical practices contributes to a larger movement of support for those who align with our values.
Listening to the concerns of our Elders brings me profound peace as well. In those moments of shared stories and wisdom, I’m reminded of the rich heritage and experiences that shape our communities. By giving them my undivided attention, I honor their contributions and reaffirm their vital importance in our lives. These conversations are often filled with insights that guide us toward a brighter future, reinforcing the beautiful interconnectedness of our experiences.
I feel most at peace when I can actively contribute to the well-being of others. Whether through notarization, reviews, or listening to our Elders, these actions affirm my commitment to the people business. They remind me that every small act of kindness has the potential to create ripples of positive change, fostering genuine community and shared purpose. It’s in these moments of connection that I truly find my peace.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyannlichtenberger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578121569682
Image Credits
Judy Lichtenberger
