WHO WE ARE
Akiptan is proud to bring you the team of people who are helping to make a change in Indian Ag Finance. Below you can meet our team of staff and the professionals from across the country that make up the Staff and Board of Directors.


Ray Janis
Communications Officer
ray@akiptan.org | 605-301-0628
Ray Janis is a Graphic Designer based in Mni Luzahan (Rapid City), South Dakota, with more than four years of professional experience in the design field. His work focuses on brand management and brand strategy. He helps organizations build strong visual identities and effective communication systems.
Ray earned an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Arts from Oglala Lakota College. Ray has extensive experience working within the Native Agriculture nonprofit sector. He contributed to organizational communications infrastructure, marketing initiatives, and research driven design strategies. His background also includes data research and marketing research, allowing him to approach design with both creativity and analytical insight.
In addition to his professional work with Akiptan, Ray serves on the board of Lakota Future and remains actively involved in community advocacy. Previously, he served on the Little Wound School Board. He supported educational initiatives and community development efforts. Through both his creative and civic work, Ray is committed to strengthening indigenous organizations, communities, and storytelling.
