2023 Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy

Amaria Rosado - Nisqually and Chehalis

Amaria Rosado is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and a direct descendant of the Nisqually Tribe. She was born and raised on the Nisqually reservation and graduated from River Ridge High School in 2021 and is currently attending the University of Washington, Seattle. Since beginning at the UW, Amaria had been on the Dean’s List each quarter and is double majoring in Law, Societies, and Justice and Political Science, with a minor in Human Rights. She is entering her junior year and plans to attend law school after obtaining her bachelor’s to help tribes across the nation protect and restore treaty rights and sovereignty; along with other marginalized communities. This year, Amaria has worked with the immigrant rights organization, La Resistencia, lobbying for senate and house bills to shut down the North- west Detention Center. Additionally, she was a member of the NUW scholars program for Indig- enous underclassmen on campus and studied abroad in Vancouver to meet and learn from First Nations students, staff and faculty at UBC. She is currently a legal intern and the Nisqually Indian Tribe and plans to continue further legal and political internships once returning to Seattle for the academic year.

Anisha Marion-Pasaghesic - Anishinaabe and Abenaki

Anisha Marion-Pasaghesic is an Anishinaabe and Abenaki woman with Cerebral Palsy (CP), whose personal, academic, and professional experiences have been centered around addressing inequities and promoting inclusion in academia, clinical practice, and community outreach. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. After receiving her bachelor’s, Anisha completed a two-year research program at Columbia University, working in the Social Cognitive Affective Neuroscience Lab. Her research in this program focused on understanding the psychological and neural bases of emotional experiences in regard to emotional regulation, suicidality, and addiction. She is currently in her second year of her Ph.D. program studying Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah. The primary focus of her research is understanding how both self-regulation and social regulation processes and support networks facilitate adherence in Type 1 Diabetes management in emerging adults. Her hope while at the University of Utah is to extend this research to study various chronic illnesses in underrepresented populations, primarily Type 2 Diabetes and the impact the illness has on Native American Communities.

Anisha is also actively involved in her Indigenous communities on and off campus. At Columbia University, Anisha was an active member of the Native American Council, which provided a space for Native students on campus to share their academic and cultural experiences with the community. She also received two scholarships from the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, which allowed her to visit various communities in New York City, educate teachers about who Indigenous people are today, and share traditional songs and dances from her community. At the University of Utah, Anisha has become an active member of the Indigenous Women’s Collective through the American Indian Resource Center on campus. She was also gifted the honor to serve as Head Woman Dancer for the 2023 University of Utah’s Powwow. Every time she dances Jingle at powwows, she always remembers that the traditions she is lucky to be able to practice were ones that her father and many other Indigenous ancestors fought to protect. Anisha would like to dedicate many of her successes to her late father, Ron Marion-Pasaghesic, who was one of her greatest supporters and did his very best to keep her and her siblings connected to their cultural traditions.

Annie Partney - Tulalip

Annie Partney is a 23 year old Tulalip Tribal Member from the Tulalip Reservation in Washington State. She has worked for her tribe since she was 14 and now serves as the Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Tulalip Tribes Youth & Family Enrichment as well as female Youth Council Advisor. As a former high-school dropout Annie graduated from Northwest Indian College with highest honors and plans to continue her education to show her community that education is attainable.

Ashley Davis - Big Sandy Rancheria

Ashley Davis is an enrolled tribal member from Big Sandy Rancheria in Central California who currently lives within her reservation in Auberry, California. She is a 22-year old with a Bachelor’s degree in Tribal Governance and Business Management with a focus in Public and Tribal Admin- istration from Northwest Indian College. She is currently attending Gonzaga University major- ing in the Master of Business Administration in American Indian Entrepreneurship. Ashley has been involved with many organizations within the business world such as American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL), Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) as well as other organizations such as the Intertribal Agriculture Council as a youth participant and young professional and has traveled to Nevada, Hawaii, and California throughout this program. Ashley was also a past participant for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative in Arkansas for 2022 and 2023.

She has participated in AIBL as a member from Northwest Indian College’s AIBL chapter as both a member and Secretary of the club. She also participated in AIBL’s mentoring program they have annually. As for NAFOA, she was also a young professional that she attended in Washington D.C in 2023 and attended this year’s annual conference in Florida this past April. She was also accepted into the California Native Youth Collective Ambassador program for 2024. She has received High Honors while graduating with her Bachelor’s early this year. The life experiences that make Ashley unique are all of the programs she has been a part of, that allowed her to travel, make connections with other Indigenous students and professionals, and being involved with dif- ferent organizations that stand out to her helps her gain that unique experience. Her future plan is to work within her tribal community after she finishes school; she wants to inspire the youth that education is important, especially for Indigenous students.

Autumn McMillan - Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Autumn McMillan is an enrolled member with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and currently resides in Philadelphia, Mississippi. She works as a Native American Liaison and Enrollment Specialist at East Central Community College. She is the Native American Sponsor for the Native American Student Association. Autumn is passionate about helping her fellow tribal members succeed through education and cultural preservation. She is active in her community and held the treasurer position in the community non profit organization. Autumn is a first-year graduate student at the University of Oklahoma where she is majoring in Indigenous Peoples Law. She has a Bachelors in Communications from Mississippi State University.

Autumn is a Fellow with the Center for Native American Youth-Remembering Our Sisters Fellowship. Her goal is to bring attention and awareness of the MMIWG2S+ epidemic through digital art. She uses photography as her medium to address the violence and injustice that Indigenous People face. She is also a Community Health Representative in the Weaving Healthy Program affiliated by Tulane University. As a representative, Autumn focuses on improving communication, emotions, healthy relationships and personal skills in families.

Autumn hopes to have her own photography business one day as well as a non-profit organization to promote educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for her community. She enjoys reading, sewing, doing traditional beadwork and traveling.

Deana Mitchell - Navajo

​​Deana is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah studying Health and Kinesiology. Deana is a citizen of the Navajo Nation, hailing from Gallup, New Mexico. Deana is a passionate leader working as a student employee in the Center of Equity and Student Belonging, where she plans and implements programs related to BIPOC student belonging. In addition to her work, Deana spends much of her time as an intern for the UofU football team, where she engages in sports medicine development where she works closely with the Pac-12 football team. Deana also participates in activities that highlight her cultural heritage, such as being the Liaison of the UofU Intertribal Student Association group and committee member of the annual UofU Powwow. In her spare time, Deana enjoys sewing her cultural regalia, cooking, and reading. Deana is a member of the inaugural CIRCLE Program at the UofU where she has engaged in the CIRCLE Program book club, group discussion, and the renaming of one of the UofU’s Gardens. Deana was currently crowned as Miss American Indian Women Scholar 2023-2024 at the university. She is a representative for Indigenous students and is dedicated to building stronger connections with the student body, promoting leadership, cultural awareness, and student engagement in higher education.

Eliana Antone - Gila River Indian Community

Eliana Antone also known as Eliana Rhodes is 18 years old and comes from the Gila River Indian Community in Southern Arizona, home to the Akimel O’odham and Pee-Posh. She is Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham, Cheyenne, Sioux, and Pawnee. In May of 2022 Eliana graduated high school from Skyline Gila River and hopes to further her education soon. Eliana enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her pets, she also enjoys beading, and doing art. She owns a small business called Vóóhéhéve Creations (Morningstar Creations) where she sells both beadwork and art, she received her business license with Gila River in December of 2022. In 2019 Eliana decided to join her tribe’s Youth Council, the Akimel O’odham/Pee- Posh Youth Council. She started off as an associate member, in 2019 she became the District 6 Representative, then secretary for the 2021-22 year, and now serves as District Representative and Treasure for the 2022-23 year. In April of 2022 Eliana ran for Jr Miss Gila River and was selected as Jr Miss Gila River 2022-2023, she’s had many wonderful opportunities such as traveling to Alaska for the NCAI MidYear conference, traveling to Minnesota for the national UNITY Conference, and getting better at public speaking. She met many amazing leaders such as Deb Haaland, Madonna Thunderhawk, and Billy Mills. Eliana and Miss Gila River also hosted some events for their community such as a Winter Gathering. The Winter Gathering consisted of workshops, gourd making, beaded necklace making, and a cowhide sandal workshop. Traditional stories were shared, basket dancing and bird dancing took place, and an O’odham Cu:dk (social) ended the night. Tradition is something Eliana holds dear to her heart, she loves her O’odham himdag/O’odham way of life, as the oldest of her siblings she loves to learn new things so she can someday pass them on. She enjoys basket dancing, making her traditional jewelry such as shell necklaces, playing with her Toka team (O’odham Women’s Game) and singing O’odham songs. In October of 2022 Eliana had the opportunity to do her first live painting at the Indigenous Peoples Day Fest in Downtown Phoenix celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day hosted by Cahokia, she did her second live in painting in her community in October of 2022 at the “Get Out The Vote” event helping with Arizona elections where she also met Katie Hobbs and Tom O’Halleran, and her third live painting in May of 2022 in her community at a peaceful gathering called “Protectors Not Predators” a safe space demanding safety in the community. Eliana loves taking healthy risks and trying new things, she hopes to be an amazing role model not only for her family but community as well.

Gianni Lacey-Howard - Occaneechi-Saponi

Gianni Lacey-Howard is from Durham, NC and is a proud citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She is a recent graduate of Duke University. There, she received her degree in Medical Sociology with Distinction and a minor in Chemistry, showcasing her interest and dedication to understanding the social aspects of healthcare.

Throughout her academic journey, she received prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including the Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship, Questbridge National College Match Scholarship, Cardea Fellowship, ReImagining Medicine Fellowship, and Kenan Fellowship, reflecting her outstanding abilities and commitment to her studies.

During her time at Duke University, she engaged in various leadership roles, leaving a lasting impact on campus. She served as the Freshman Class Representative and later assumed the role of Vice President of Social Engagement on the Cardea Fellows Executive Board. Additionally, she dedicated herself to promoting Indigenous representation and culture as the Program Chair of Duke’s Native American Student Alliance, the Co-Chair of Duke’s PowWow Committee, as a Student Advisor, President of the Nu Chapter of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc., and a member of Duke’s Land Acknowledgement Committee. Her research and STEM experiences further solidified her passion for academic inquiry. Recognizing the importance of cultural preservation, she embarked on an Independent Experiential Learning Project, collaborating with a Duke Biology Professor and a staff member from the Duke Human Rights Center. Her project involved an independent study of her Native language, which she transformed into a children’s book, aiming to foster an interest in cultural engagement and health management among Indigenous youth in her community.

Her commitment to research continued through the Four Directions Summer Research Program, where she collaborated with Dr. Kathryn Terry on epidemiology research related to ovarian cancer and endometriosis. She also gained valuable clinical experience through shadowing at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Expanding her horizons globally, she participated in the Duke Engage Zhuhai Program, where she created lesson plans, taught English, and engaged with teachers in Zhuhai, China. She also had the opportunity to explore Mandarin language and culture.

Recognizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation, she actively participated in programs such as the Native Americans in Philanthropy Youth Grantmakers Program, American Indian Business Leaders Mentorship Program, and the National Council of Urban Indian Health Youth Advisory Council.

Outside of her academic pursuits, she ran a business called “Beaded By GiaChrista,” demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the preservation of Indigenous arts.

Her notable recognition and honors include being selected for the National Name Exchange, achieving a place on the Dean’s List, receiving an Honorable Mention for the Udall Scholarship, and being appointed as the Head Lady for both the Duke University Annual Powwow and the Occaneechi Saponi PowWow in 2023. She also received the Ida Harper Simpson award for her honor’s thesis “Beyond the Math: Exploring Blood Quantum Metrics, Self-Esteem, and Belonging of Indigenous People in North Carolina.” The award is given to the best Senior Honors Thesis in the Duke Sociology Department.

Hannah Poorman - Navajo Nation

Hannah Lynn Poorman is a proud member of the Navajo Nation. Her parents raised her in a traditional household, believing in diyin dine’e (creator), learning songs, prayers, and Navajo. Her grandparents also added significance to her adolescent years. She followed these traditions growing up, which took her to high places. She was fortunate enough to live out her dream and play college volleyball, but through her undergrad experience, it wasn’t easy.

She grew up in a small town, Kayenta, AZ. She mentions how she’s grateful that her parents taught her the significance of the Navajo culture and what it means to their family. To this day, she’s passionate about it; her grandfather would tell her how essential prayers would become. Hannah would learn the Navajo language, stories, and songs, trying her best when they would attend ceremonies and sing along with her elders. Seeing their wrinkled smiles because she knew it made them proud.

She attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College, where she received her A. An in general business, amongst other business-related certificates, and played one year of volleyball. She only played one year before discovering blood clots in her left knee and hip, being told she couldn’t play. At a defeating moment, her grades dropped and hurt her G.P.A. tremendously. She relied on her herbal medicine and prayers when she felt defeated.

She was lucky to obtain a volleyball scholarship at Ottawa University-Surprise, playing for one year and continuing her business degree. She was fortunate to receive this scholarship, but when things got exciting, her grandfather passed away due to COVID in 2021. She pushed through the heartache and pain, as he was the one who taught her everything. Tuition increased, putting her in a financially uncomfortable position, so she transferred.

She transferred to Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) to finish her academic and athletic career. While at Haskell, she joined the American Indigenous Business Leader club and attended notable leadership summits such as R.E.S. and AISES. Hannah was also the vice president of fundraising and co-vice president of marketing during the spring semester of 2023 and received the stewardship award. While at HINU, she played volleyball for two years, served as the team captain from 2022-2023, and received a letterman jacket representing her dedication to the volleyball team. She was a powerful asset to the volleyball team and in the classroom, receiving the President’s List award from fall 2021 to spring 2023. During her last year at Haskell, graduating with her B.S. in Business Administration with straight A’s and was awarded the Dean’s List award.

She didn’t have the most uncomplicated undergrad career, but her family and prayers helped her spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. It kept her attuned to herself and got her back on track. It’s all a journey, and just like ceremonies, songs, and stories, the ending is always beautiful and worth it. Hannah mentions, “Like all great elders in my life would say, ‘T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego,’ it is up to you.”

Jadyn Hatch - Samish Indian Nation Tribal Member

Jadyn Hatch is a Samish Indian Nation tribal member currently working for Muckleshoot Housing Authority as an Accounts Receivable Analyst. Previously, she had worked for Puyallup Tribe and moved her way up into a supervisory role until she recently made the transition to Muckleshoot for the Accounts Payable position that was more closely related to the field she was studying in college. Jadyn’s educational background includes some college with a focus on business and accounting. Jadyn has spent the last three years serving tribal communities and learning more about tribal operations. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does professionally and personally. Family is at the forefront of everything for Jadyn and every decision made is to support her daughter, Autumn, who is currently 15 months. Jadyn’s goals are to learn more about her culture and be more involved in the community so that her daughter grows up knowing where she came from.

JaNaya Reeves - Navajo

My name is JaNaya Reeves. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Something special about the place where I grew up would have to be the diversity of the people you find in Phoenix. You’ll meet people of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, and of course people from different tribes. I’m a Navajo who spent most of her teenage years among Gila River members, and in their community. The high school I attended was in Southwest Phoenix and boarded districts six and seven of their reservation. Naturally the Native youth population at my high school was primarily Gila River. Some of the most influential people I have met came from one family in that tribe, their dedication to Native youth planted so many values and goals in me. I learned from them the importance of community, and service to others.

A big challenge that I had to overcome to get where I am today took place in my senior year of high school. My mother was involved in a serious car accident that forced her to retire early. She was the sole provider for me and my brother. After her accident I put applying to college on the back burner, as we tried to figure out what came next. It came to the point where I was even ready to drop out of high school to take care of her, but she wouldn’t have it. I stayed in school but gave little thought to what I would do after I graduated.

Given our financial situation I had little hope for college, but when I heard of my fellow tennis teammates getting scholarships to play at local community colleges I realized there may still be a chance for me. With their help I began reaching out to coaches within the Maricopa Community College District and by grace met an awesome coach who took a chance on me. Thus my journey into higher education began, since then I have continued to look for scholarships to fund my dream as a first generation college student.

I am an undergraduate student majoring in communications with an emphasis in strategic comm. One thing I really like about communication studies has to be its focus on building effective communicators in various fields. Understanding the importance of communication in not just professional life but also personal life has always been important to me. I’ve experienced a lot of trauma in my life, a lot of which I realize now could have been resolved with better communication, and more transparent expression. As someone who is passionate about people and community this study was perfect for me as it centers around human beings, culture, and their unique forms of expression and spirit. After graduation I would like to work within the community for sometime, be it tribal or in higher ed. I want to either work as a community advocate in higher ed or explore human resources in tribal offices.

Jessica Begay - Navajo Nation (Diné)

Jessica Nichole Begay is a Diné woman with the intent to pursue what is on her mind and what means the most in her heart. At a young age, she knew she wanted to become a teacher and/or take on a leadership role in her community. She is from the Navajo Nation, Gallup & Crownpoint, New Mexico. In her rural community she grew up in, the quality of education she received was not the best to prepare her for the intense workload and coursework college exposed her to. However, her experiences have made her who sheis today.

Education has been paramount to attain in her family and her Diné people. Chief Manuelito expressed “...education is the ladder. Tell our people to take it”. Her parents and grandparents were her motivators and encouraged her to go off to college. It was not an easy decision leaving behind her home, family, and community but, she believed it was her only way to reach new heights and to become the person she would like to be professionally. She is a first-generation student to have earned a Bachelors of Arts in her family. She majored in Writing & Rhetoric Studies and received her degree from the University of Utah. Although the journey was not easy, she knew she had to pave her own way through the chaos. Persevering in this lifetime s what her ancestors taught her. Their awareness of the beauty of the land and the protection it deserves encourages her to continue forth in her studies today. Their integrity to challenge various ideas and unjust conventions surrounding American Indian issues only inspire her to think outside the box and explore beyond what has been explored before. She intends to continue her education to expand her knowledge in Writing & Rhetoric studies and to prioritize Indigenous rhetorics and the decolonization of such studies. With this knowledge progressing forward in her future roles as an educator and researcher, she will be confident in addressing such topics. Especially in important conversations and discussions at conferences or in the classroom.

In addition to her studies at the University of Utah, she assisted students with their scholarly assignments as a writing tutor. It was with great pleasure that she dedicated time out of her week on top of attending University classes to assist students. It did not only broaden her proficiency in writing but equipped her with the expertise of working with students and strengthened her interpersonal skills. With the knowledge she acquired as a student and a tutor, she believes it will aid in teaching students, specifically first-generation students.

Jessica will be returning back to school to acquire her Master’s degree in Writing & Rhetoric Studies in Fall 2023. She will be teaching students first year writing courses specifically tailored to American Indian students. Highlighting Indigenous ways of thinking, perspectives, and teachings. As students engage with Indigenous Rhetorics, they have the opportunity to learn more about their identity as Indigenous people in an academic space.

Jizhoni Witherspoon - Navajo

Jizhoni Nabahe Witherspoon is a proud Diné(Navajo) woman who grew up in a small town on thereservation. A tight-knit community that housed less than 150 people. Her daily routine beganearly, as she would wake up at the crack of dawn, 5:30 AM, in order to catch the bus at 6:15 AM.The journey to school was arduous, taking one and a half hours. The roads leading to the schoolwere unpaved, resulting in a bumpy ride, and the numerous stops along the way only addedto the length of the commute. Despite the challenges, Jizhoni endured this demanding journeyfrom 3rd grade to 8th grade, every single day. But Jizhoni’s commitment to her education didn’tend with the school bell. She was deeply involved in extracurricular activities that enriched hercultural identity and fostered personal growth. One of her extracurricular activities was the NativeAmerican Club, where she actively participated. Through this club, Jizhoni had the opportunityto learn her culture by practicing traditional songs and dances. She even had the privilege ofattending the ASU powwow that was well over a 6 hour drive.

During her middle school years, Jizhoni joined the “Dzil Yigiin Youth group”, dedicated youngyouth that aimed to make a positive impact on their community. They organized and implementedsummer programs, ensuring that local children had access to engaging activities while fosteringa sense of unity. Jizhoni was actively involved in these initiatives, from organizing horse trailrides that spanned from one town to another, to teaching other young youth to put on their ownevents. The group also went to UNITY(United National Indian Tribal Youth) conferences whereNative American youth came together to discuss and address important issues as well as learnnew skills. Additionally, the group was selected to participate in the TNL training (Today’s NativeLeaders), which further honed her leadership skills and fueled her desire to contribute to hercommunity.

The experiences and opportunities Jizhoni had during her formative years instilled in her a deepsense of gratitude and a strong commitment to giving back. She realized the transformativepower of these opportunities and aspired to provide others with similar chances to grow andthrive. Jizhoni’s journey was not merely a personal one; it was a path that intertwined her owndevelopment with the betterment of her community.Jizhoni is now Community Organizer, dedicating her efforts to making a difference in SouthernNevada. She works with a non-profit organization known as Native Voters Alliance Nevada. Witha clear purpose in mind, Jizhoni strives to foster a sense of community among the urban and ruralNative population living in Southern Nevada. This sense of community will help advance NativeAmerican political power, with a platform rooted in indigenous values.Her goal for the future is where individuals no longer perceive her home community as a place toescape from but rather as a sanctuary that nurtures and supports their aspirations.

Kamryn Yanchick - Seminole/Muscogee

Kamryn Yanchick is a proud citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Muscogee Nation. As a lifelong Oklahoman, Kamryn’s perspectives and passions have been strongly shaped by her lived experiences as an urban Indian witnessing political conflict between tribal nations and the state as well as the resilience and love taught by generations of matriarchs that serve as her biggest inspirations and motivators. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in Political Science and Native American Studies, pre-law. As a student, Kamryn was named a Udall Scholar, Truman Scholar finalist, the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior, Letzeiser Gold Medalist, and American Indian Alumni Society Outstanding Senior. As a researcher, storyteller, and community-builder, Kamryn is passionate about promoting equity through law and policy and advocating for the rights of Native peoples and the sovereignty of tribal nations. Her undergraduate research focused on identifying and remedying factors that impact tribal and nontribal electoral participation for Native college students.

Kamryn has worked on issues involving Native voter engagement with Campus Vote Project, suicide and substance abuse prevention with the National Council of Urban Indian Health Youth Advisory Council, Indigenous justice initiatives with the American Civil Liberties Union, women’s and reproductive health policy at Metrairch, and MMIW/R advocacy as a sister of Gamma Delta Pi. One of her proudest accomplishments has been her role in the passage of SB429, which protects Native students’ right to wear tribal regalia and items of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies, after experiencing a denial firsthand.

Currently Kamryn works as a Wilma Mankiller fellow at the National Congress of American Indians where she is working on civic engagement and voting rights advocacy across Indian Country. Outside of work, she is involved with the Gamma Delta Pi National Governance Board, Advocates for Youth #FreethePill Youth Council, Humanity in Action Mapping Democracy Fellowship, Oklahoma Prevention Leadership Committee Youth Advisory Subcommittee, and volunteers for Rock the Native Vote. You can find her unwinding by reading a good book, taking a dance class, and trying new food.

Kayla Harstad - Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Kayla Harstad is a 19 years old and a freshman at the University of Washington. Her intended major is Political Science Law and Policy with a minor in American Indian Studies. She’s an intern at the Urban Native Education Alliance and served as a special project intern for the last 3 years. When she’s not around Indigenous community she has another job where working at an athletic club and maintaining health and wellbeing for individuals. She previously worked with the Seattle Public School system in support of the Moniker removal of Bishop Blanchet High School which officially has been changed and removed! She graduated last year from Ingraham High School where she was president of the Urban Native American club for two years. While president, she created a Land Acknowledgment and mural to bring awareness to Indigenous students at IHS. The Land Acknowledgement is read before Assemblies, community gatherings, and morning announcements. Recently, she worked with UNEA on a proclamation for MMIWP in the Seattle School system for students and staff to be educated, aware, and learn the importance of MMIWP. In her free time, Kayla likes to hang out with her friends and try new boba spots in Seattle. During a nice sunny day, she goes on walks around Greenlake to decompress and get some mental health time.

Leslie Burnette - White Mountain Apache

My name is Leslie Rodriguez and I am 21 years old. I am white mountain apache and Hispanic. I grew up poor and low income area. Drugs and alcohol were common in my childhood and I saw it take away many lives in my community. I decided to study to become a lawyer or community leader since I do not want more peoples lives to be ruined by addiction. I have been involved in the center for diversity and equity at the university of Utah. I have been involved in many programs such as diversity scholars, ITSA, and Second Year experience. I have held both vice and president for the inter tribal student association. I am also currently an American Indian women’s scholar.

Maliyah Totten - Navajo

Maliyah is a part of the Navajo tribe and the Mountain Cove Clan (Dziłtł’ahnii ). Maliyah enjoys be- ing involved in her community and school. She was her class’s Junior and Senior Class President in High School. Maliyah recently spent a summer in Mozambique building classrooms for local schools, as well as a semester teaching English to children ages 2-5 in Thailand. She is a current student at the University of Utah, majoring in Psychology and Biology. She wants to go into medi- cal school and pursue a career in Psychiatry. She is an advocate for mental health awareness, es- pecially within Native Communities. She hopes to find a way to bring more affordable and easily accessible mental healthcare to Native Communities in the future.

Shalae Williams - Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

I am Shalae Williams an enrolled Tribal Member and Employee of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. I was born in Sacramento, California and moved to Fresno, California when I was young. I am part of the graduating class of 2022, I completed high school with a 3.5 GPA, and began working for my tribal youth peers. I am currently work as a Boys and Girls Club Activities Aide for the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. I have two younger brothers whom I adore very much. I was raised in a single parent household with just my mother. I believe growing up in this environment has contributed to a huge part of the person I am today as a strong, resilient, smart, caring, nurturing and independent young native woman.

Sharon Bassette - Winnebago Tribe of NE

Sharon Basstte / Maanaape Xunu Wiga is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. She is apart of the Bear clan. She is currently working towards, and a candidate for her Masters of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Sharon is serving on the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission 2022- 2024 as the Public Relations Officer.