Our Team
Lily Drywater
Director
Lily Drywater is from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a 2015 graduate of Sequoyah High School, and a student at Northeastern State University (NSU). In February of 2022, Lily participated in a Self-Determination Movements course taught by Dr. Tiffanie Hardbarger (Cherokee) at NSU. In this class, she learned about resistance movements such as those on Alcatraz Island led by the Indians of All Tribes and the American Indian Movement. The demonstration at Alcatraz Island stood out to her because the event was led by a small group of inspired young people, and she saw no reason why her community could not do the same.
As a result, she gathered some inspired community members and began weekly discussion meetings.
Gabrielle Budder
Public Relations
Gabrielle Budder is from Claremore, Oklahoma, a 2017 graduate of Claremore High School, and a 2020 graduate of Northeastern State University (NSU). Gabrielle is Cherokee. Gabrielle is passionate about utilizing media to bring to life the stories and experiences of Tribal Communities and Peoples. Whether it’s through social media and clever meme production or print media which meets leading industry standards, Gabrielle will ensure the message is spread far and wide.
In the Summer of 2021, when Roe V. Wade decision came down from the U.S. The Supreme Court, 4Next7 needed to move swiftly. Gabrielle was quick to develop an official News Release in conjunction with the rest of the 4Next7 Council. The news release was professional and shared with area print news media organizations. The release was picked up by more than one media outlet, including the Tahlequah Daily Press.
Shadow Hardbarger
Treasurer
Shadow Hardbarger is from Marble City, Oklahoma, a 2012 graduate of Sequoyah High School, and a current student at Northeastern State University (NSU). Shadow is Cherokee and Crow. Shadow is a passionate advocate for Native causes, an experienced community organizer, and one of the hardest workers you will ever meet.
Since 4 Next7s inception in 2022, Shadow has been instrumental in planning all of the organization's Major events. The peak of Shadows event planning skills were demonstrated in planning and hosting 4next 7s Art Markets. The organization has hosted two art markets to date. The first was held in December of 2023 which highlighted emerging Native Artists and served as many artists first exposition. The second was held in July of 2023 and shifted focus to LGBTQIA2S+ artists and offered them space to be 100% themselves and share their art with the community. The Native Pride Art Market also featured a Drag Show!
Brian Barlow
Community Outreach Coordinator
Brian Barlow is from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a 2012 graduate of Tahlequah High School, and a 2016 graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC. Brian is Cherokee.
Brian is passionate about helping his community. Growing up in Tahlequah, Brian watched many of his peers, friends, and family members face challenges and overcome. Brian has always enjoyed helping others make their way along their own journey. For Brian there is nothing like watching someone he cares about set a goal and work to achieve it. Brian knows there are countless talented young people in communities everywhere; but opportunities to nurture, grow, and foster those skills are often few and far between. Brian plans to spend his life helping young people see their value, know their strengths, hone their skills, learn what they want to learn, and achieve their goals and aspirations.