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Katie Brossy grew up in Lincoln, the daughter of a prominent state advocate for Native people in Nebraska.

Much like her mother did, Brossy advocates for Native people, but on a national level.

The 37-year-old Lincoln Southeast High School graduate is an attorney for one of the most influential lobbying firms in the country, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld. She's a member of the Ponca Tribe and of the firm’s American Indian Law and Policy group.

Brossy has focused on helping tribes gain passage of water settlements within Congress and recently helped a Montana tribe gain passage of a $460 million settlement with the federal government.

She recently was named one of the Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 by Trending 40 in Washington.

“I would give a nod to my mom,” said Brossy. “She has been my biggest and strongest role model.”

Her mother is Judi M. gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.

Brossy also cited her own work as a page for the Nebraska Legislature in piquing her interest in government.

“Having that exposure to government sparked my interest in policy,” she said.