Liz Perez is the CEO and founder of GC Green, Inc., a pioneering company advancing energy security and sustainability in underserved communities—including over 50 tribal nations. An enrolled member of the North Fork Rancheria Mono Indians of California with Salt River Pima heritage, Liz’s work is deeply rooted in her Native identity, military service, and commitment to equity.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Liz served nine years with distinction before transitioning to civilian life during a global recession. Facing homelessness as a single mother of two, she channeled adversity into action—launching GC Green over 15 years ago with a mission grounded in resilience, service, and environmental stewardship. Today, her firm holds multiple certifications—Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Native American, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise—and delivers clean energy solutions that promote energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign oil.

Her leadership has earned national acclaim. In 2022, GC Green was named National Minority Veteran-Owned Firm of the Year. Liz has been honored as a White House Champion of Change and served as a U.S. Delegate to Israel and Japan for her work in sustainability. From 2017 to 2019, she held key roles at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, including Deputy Secretary, Tribal Liaison, and Disabled Veteran Business Advocate. Most recently, she was named a Tribal Champion and inducted into the 2024 Clean Energy Hall of Fame by the California Energy Commission.

Education has been a cornerstone of Liz’s journey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from Texas A&M’s Mays School of Business—becoming the first in her family to graduate high school, collegeLiz is a passionate advocate for Native representation, veteran empowerment, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She speaks candidly about the challenges she’s faced — especially navigating systems that selectively support small businesses—but her military background taught her to persevere. The loss of fellow service members, like Seaman Palmer of the USS Cole, fuels her drive to live with purpose and honor their legacy., and graduate school. As the eldest sibling and cousin, she paved the way for others to pursue higher education.

Beyond business, Liz is deeply involved in her community. She’s an active member of American Legion Post 365 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Vista, California. She’s also a proud mother and grandmother, finding joy in family moments—from school events to Dodgers games. Her daughter graduated from UC Santa Barbara, and her son plans to attend the Naval Academy.

Liz believes success is measured not by material wealth, but by the lives we touch and the legacy we build. She calls The National Center—the leading nonprofit supporting Native American business development—the “Ivy League” of Native entrepreneurship, and RES, the Reservation Economic Summit, its “Super Bowl.” Through GC Green and her continued advocacy, Liz Perez is lighting the path for others to rise, thrive, and lead.