2024 Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy

Aiyana Jollie - Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Aiyana Jollie is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. She graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Concordia College in 2023. During her time at Concordia, Aiyana collaborated with professors on research projects addressing issues such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis, sexism in relationships, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.

Currently, Aiyana serves as a mentor at Friends of the Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children facing adversity. Her work involves early intervention through guiding and empowering young individuals within her community. Aiyana’s future goals are to continue pursuing higher education in psychology. Then, establish a chapter of Friends of the Children on her reservation, aiming to directly benefit her tribal community and foster positive change.

Amelia Andress - Seneca, Haudenosaunee

Amelia Andress is Seneca/Haudenosaunee. She’s 19 years old and a 2023 graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School. Since graduating from high school, Amelia has done classes with the Center For Indigenous Midwifery, earning certifications as a postpartum doula and childbirth educator. She has plans to continue this journey in birthwork, as a birth doula, lactation consultant, and possibly a midwife. Amelia has been working at a long-established daycare center in Edmonds since she was 16. She’s the youngest person that has ever worked there, and was recruited due to her experience in childcare and leadership at both her K-8 and high schools. Amelia was selected as Teacher of the Month in March 2023. She also privately babysits, house- sits, and pet-sits for many of the families from her work and several others in her community. In high school Amelia was part of ASB leadership for four years of high school., and her senior year restarted the Asian Pacific Islanders club in her high school. She took on the role as social media manager and events planner.

Amelia’s dad Shawn didn’t know much about his Native heritage, as he was raised by his mom and his dad wasn’t around. He began learning more as an adult, and then taught Amelia and her sister everything he knew about his family, their stories, recipes, art, and traditions. Sadly, he passed away in 2022. Having been involved in his care team, Amelia held him as he passed, talking him through the process and making sure he was comforted and felt safe. It was this event that made her realize her true potential for helping others, and that’s when she decided to become a doula and birth worker.

Considering this event took place at the beginning of her senior year, Amelia wrote about it in several essays for scholarships and other contests. She was selected as the single recipient of her K-8 school’s Joe Rice Alumni Scholarship for her essay and invited to come back to the school to address the staff and current students. She also won an iPad from the Urban Native Education Alliance for her essay, and was invited to become an intern with them. She’s now a senior intern there and continues to educate herself and others about the importance and power of Indigenous people in all areas of society and the community.

Angelina Giago - Oglala Lakota / Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

Angelina Giago grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation surrounded by the vast prairies and rugged beauty of the Badlands. A proud member of the Oglala Lakota and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes, her life has been a blend of traditional wisdom and modern aspirations. With the unwavering support of her family, Angelina has grown into a determined and compassionate individual. As a first-generation college student, she began her academic journey at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, where she earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) egree in Natural Science, laying a solid foundation for her future studies. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science with an emphasis on American Indian Studies. While attending university, Angelina actively participates in various clubs and organizations, including AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society), AIBL (American Indian Business Leaders), SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science), and an intern for the TRIO program. These opportunities have allowed her to develop leadership skills, build a professional network, and gain new experiences. One of Angelina’s accomplishments was being invited to participate in a panel discussion with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she addressed environmental issues impacting Native American communities. This opportunity allowed her to share her insights and talk with senior professionals discussing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.

Angelina envisions combining her two passions into a meaningful career. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology, where she could lead research projects to understand atmospheric interactions and their impact on climate change. Grounded in her Indigenous teachings, her work would focus on developing solutions to environmental challenges and bringing those opportunities back to her community. However, she also aspires to attend law school with a focus on Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice. This path would allow her to advocate for Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard in policymaking and protecting the lands and resources from harmful practices. Both professions will allow her to create a unique change in Indian country.

Ashlynn Kate Azure Miskogiizhigookwe (Red Sky Woman) - Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Ashlynn Azure is an enrolled member on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, ND. Ashlynn is twenty years old, and she currently resides in Belcourt, ND. She is attendingTurtle Mountain Community College and is studying Leadership and Management with tribal emphasis. During high school, Ashlynn originally wanted to become a psychologist. However, after taking multiple tribal government courses, she decided she wanted to pursue Leadership and Management.

Ashlynn’s mother, Sheena Azure, was selected to be part of the first cohort for the Leadership and Management program at TMCC, and she graduated in 2020. She wanted to follow in hermother’s footsteps and do the same program. Ashlynn’s father, Chris Azure, is also doing thesame program with her this year. All three of them will obtain the same degree soon. Academicsand working to give back to the community has always been important for Ashlynn. She strivesto give back to her community as much as she can. Ashlynn’s main goal for her future is to obtain knowledge in tribal law, finances, and government. She would one day like to become a triballawyer and help fight for the sovereignty of her people. Ashlynn is beyond grateful and honored to be chosen for this opportunity and she hopes to be able to influence her younger peers.

Bianca Ten Fingers - Oglala Sioux

​​Bianca Ten Fingers is enrolled in the Oglala Sioux Tribe, her mother is from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, while her father is from San Bartolome in Oaxaca. Bianca was born in Modesto CA, raised there until the age of 10. Her mother, sister and herself then moved to Pine Ridge with a relative. She currently lives in Valley Springs CA, with her cat Panini. Bianca’s notable schooling while growing up, she attended middle school at the Pine Ridge and Flandreau Indian School for High School. Bianca is currenlty a student at Modesto Junior College working towards her Administraion of Justice Associates degree. Also planning on taking an EMT training course the following year. Volunteering is something she would like to participate in but her schedule throughout the Fall is filled with classes and work. Bianca has obtained an award for sponsoring the DAR during her time in JROTC. For future aspirations, Bianca has always wanted to be inlvolved with the Army. Due to the pandemic that plan was put on hold. As she works towards her associates and her EMT training, she hopes to either transfer to Sacstate through the ROTC program or enlist with the reserves after graduating. All this leading back to her family back in South Dakota, she plans to see them again soon in the future when she is capable of doing so.

Bianca’s life experience so far has been a headache for her. As a child she grew up more with the Hispanic side of her culture, then when she moved to South Dakota she got more in touch with her Native side. During that moving period she was separated from her mother for some time and lived with different family members. She then attended the boarding schools for security. The boarding schools had a huge impact on her world view and connections. Bianca takes pride in all the friends she made from Pine Ridge and Flandreau, kids from across the country, from different tribes. After she graduated high school in 2020, she moved back to her hometown Modesto for college. This new chapter was filled with uncertainty and hardships, the whole reason she was able to make the move is because she had the help of her sisters. The transition from boarding school to remote learning was a challenge, it wasn’t until the end of 2022 where she found friends to keep her company. Bianca currently, is proud of what she has been accomplishing so far. In the beginning of the year she moved into her own apartment and got her own car.

Ciara Dennis - Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Ciara Dennis is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribe in Hayward, Wisconsin. Growing up on the reservation has taught her many lessons that have shaped her into the person she is today. The reservation struggles with substance and alcohol abuse, and Ciara experienced the impact of these issues firsthand through her family’s struggles. These challenges were difficult for her both mentally and emotionally, but they also fueled her determination to work towards her goals and pursue her education.

In May 2023, Ciara earned her Associates degree in Liberal Arts. As she was pursuing her education in Liberal Arts Ciara was awarded First Generation College Student Award. While obtaining her Associates degree she maintained a 3.2 GPA making her eligible for the Dean’s list for multiple semesters.

Although Ciara was initially uncertain about her next steps, she took a year off to work as a Dental Assistant. This experience helped her realize how rewarding it is to help others and solidified her desire to continue her education in the medical field. Ciara plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science at Haskell Indian Nations University and then attend KU Medical School for Nursing. After completing her education, she aims to return to her tribe to provide support and care for her community.

Hannah Naljahih - Navajo and Kiowa

Hannah Naljahih is Navajo and Kiowa and is of the Many Goats Clan, born Bitterwater from Gallup NM. She recently moved to Arizona to continue her education with a Masters of Professional Studies in Indigenous Governance with a focus on Native Justice at the University of Arizona. In her undergraduate years at The University of New Mexico Hannah was an ambassador for UNM American Indian Student Services, she served as the vice-president for UNM Kiva Club, was a mentor in mentorship programs and an intern in several fellowships. She received a Leadership and Involvement award for devoting time to her community. Hannah also co-authored with her colleagues a contest essay, “Combatting Substance Misuse with Indigenous Traditon,” for the ‘We R Native Initiative,” they won the grand prize. After Hannah graduated college, she worked at native nonprofit called Americans for Indian Opportunity where she learned about leadership development and strengthening cultural values. Hannah is interested in law and is onto her next steps in life where she is always finding the next opportunity in her law journey.

Jazell Jenkins - Unangax/Aleut

Jazell Jenkins, a proud member of the Unangax Tribe from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska,belonging to the Chebetnoy Family, embodies a deep commitment to her heritage andcommunity. Currently in her first year at the University of Washington - Seattle, Jazell maintains an exceptional 4.0 GPA, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence. In her high school years, she served as the president of the Urban Native American Club, and now, she continues her commitment to Indigenous advocacy as a member of the First Nations Club at UW. She took the lead in bringing Indigenous representation to her high school, Ingraham, by spearheading the creation of a Land Acknowledgment mural, fostering inclusivity and dialogue within the school community. With a rich history of service, Jazell has been an integral part of the Urban Native Education Alliance (UNEA) for four years. Beginning as a youth intern at, she quickly rose to prominence, infusing her role with creativity and innovation. As the Lead Social Media Manager and Chief Visual Storyteller for UNEA, Jazell’s canvas extends far beyond pixels and posts. She crafts vibrant narratives through stunning photography, curates captivating content for Instagram and Facebook, and designs visually striking event flyers and programs. Jazell’s unique blend of artistic flair and strategic thinking has elevated UNEA’s online presence, fostering meaningful connections and amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities. Jazell completed a Public Health Internship at the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), where she developed an ArGIS map to increase access to resources for pregnant individuals in King County and bordering areas. She supported SIHB events for Indigenous elders and youth and contributed to planning talking circles with Indigenous expecting parents to improve the birthing process and journey for Indigenous parents in Washington State. With her sights set on the future as the CEO of a Native luxury brand, Jazell’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication promise to leave an indelible mark on both business and community.

Jenna Makes Good - Spirit Lake Nation, Osage, Pawnee, Potawatomie, and Blackfeet

Jenna Makes Good is a 22-year-old senior at Haskell Indian Nations University, pursuing her BA in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. She is an enrolled member and citizen of the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota. She also comes from the Osage, Pawnee, Potawatomie, and Blackfeet peoples. Jenna is passionate about culture and language preservation and seeks to work with native people to bring healing to her communities.

She was a member of the 2023 inaugural cohort of Brave Heart Fellows with the Center for Native American Youth. With this intensive fellowship, she learned skills to promote environmental justice in her homelands of the plains. She has now put on three different sets of workshops about Indigenous Sustainability at the 51st Symposium on the American Indian at Northeastern State University, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, and the United Native Indian Tribal Youth National Conference. At the UNITY conference this past summer, she was recognized and honored as a 25 under 25 leadership awardee by UNITY Inc. She is working to promote civic engagement with CNAY’s Democracy is Indigenous Initiative. She is very grateful for the opportunity to work with other passionate Native women.

Juliana Gaddis - Kalina tribe of Venezuela

Juliana Gaddis is a member of the Kalina tribe of Venezuela and currently resides in Houston, Texas. She is twenty-one years old and in the process of completing her fourth and final year at Grinnell College in Iowa where she is majoring in Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies. On campus she is co-president of the Black Student Union and co-founder of the Black Girl Book Club where she aims to foster connection and community between students, faculty and staff. In her free time she is an active volunteer in her community who works with children and the elderly, assisting them with swimming lessons and techniques.

During her time at Grinnell she was given the opportunity to study abroad in Accra, Ghana, this experience expanded her worldview and inspired her to dedicate her abilities to researching and elevating the untold stories of her diasporic people. Post graduation she plans to attend graduate school and matriculate with triple masters degrees in African American Studies, Indigenous Studies and Information Studies. With her degrees she hopes to focus on making the histories, arts and cultures of the marginalized more widespread and accessible with the creation of a decolonized museum. Juliana is very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to represent her tribe.

Kalysta Crone - Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk Nation

Kalysta Crone, a proud member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk Nation, stands at the crossroads of her academic journey as she enters her fourth year at Haskell Indian Nations University. Having already earned her associate’s degree, she is now going further into her studies, pursuing a Bachelor’s in American Indian Studies. She has also been awarded Presidents and Deans list for some semesters putting her at 3.5-4.0 gpa. With a steadfast determination to advocate for her community, Kalysta wants to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies. She sees the legal field as a platform to amplify indigenous voices and enact positive change for her people. In addition to her academic pursuits, Kalysta is actively engaged in practical experiences through work-study in career services and various internships. These opportunities not only provide her with valuable professional skills but also deepen her understanding of the real-world implications of her studies. Despite her busy schedule, Kalysta remains deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and familial connections. Raised in a household where tradition and culture were revered, she finds strength and inspiration in the teachings of her Lac Courte Oreilles tribe. Whether participating in tribal ceremonies or spending time with loved ones, Kalysta’s bond with her community and family fuels her passion for advocacy and cultural preservation.

Kayla Harstad - Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Kayla Harstad is Turtle Mountain Chippewa, born in Palmer, Alaska, and currently residing in Seattle, Washington. She is a senior at the University of Washington, majoring in Political Science, economics, and American Indian Studies. She currently serves as a Special Projects Intern for The Urban Native Education Alliance (UNEA), where she brings her passion for advocacy to the forefront. Kayla has been involved with UNEA since she was 8 years old, starting with Native Warrior Athletics and the Clear Sky Youth Leadership Council, and now as a Special Projects Intern. During her time with UNEA, she has authored a letter advocating for Blanchet to retire their moniker, “The Braves,” co-written a Land Acknowledgement and mural for Ingram High School, and co-authored MMIWP proclamations, resolutions, and a day of awareness in Seattle and Edmonds School Districts. Additionally, she was a leader in supporting the designation of March 9th as Billy Frank Jr. Day in Seattle Schools, planning a campaign and co-developing a petition for the day. Kayla was also featured in an interview on Town Hall’s In The Moment Podcast about Billy Frank Jr.

Currently, she is involved with First Generation Law-Leaders at UW (FGLL), First Nations, and Women Law Leaders (WLL). This past summer, Kayla completed multiple pre- law programs, one through the Arizona State University Native American Pathway to Law program at UC Berkeley Law School. She plans to take the LSAT in the spring of 2025 and apply to law schools in the fall. Recognized for her academic excellence, Kayla was nominated for the Udall Scholarship by the University of Washington, and is a recipient of the Roberta M. Wilson Scholarship, and was awarded the Principal’s Award at Ingraham High School. The Principal’s Award is one of the highest honors for those who enrich the lives of others while upholding community responsibilities. She is also a recipient of the Washington State Fair Blue Ribbon Scholarship and has consistently earned a place on the University of Washington’s Dean’s List for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 academic years. Alongside her studies, Kayla is deeply committed to undergraduate research, embodying a holistic approach to Indigenous education in Seattle School Districts and professional development in Urban Native communities in Seattle.

Nevaeh Davis - Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Nevaeh Davis, a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, draws strength and inspiration from her rich cultural heritage. Growing up in a large family with eight siblings, she cherishes the close-knit bond of her extended family, which has profoundly shaped her identity. Her childhood on the reservation created an appreciation for the traditions, values, and resilience of her people, instilling in her a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving and romoting her Native heritage. Nevaeh’s journey began in the Turtle Mountain Community School District and continued at Valley City State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Throughout her academic career, she held leadership roles in the Native American Club, Viking Campus Activities Board, Viking Women’s Golf team, and VCSU Student Senate, experiences that strengthened her leadership abilities and deepened her dedication to service and advocacy.

Currently working as a Mental Health Practitioner, Nevaeh is devoted to advocating for mental health awareness and support within her community. Her professional aspirations are closely aligned with her personal values of integrity, compassion, and empowerment. She is passionate about bringing essential resources to her local schools and community, with a vision to establish accessible mental health services and advocate for policies that prioritize well-being. Nevaeh is driven to make a lasting impact on Native communities, aiming to advance mental health awareness and cultural empowerment, while pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Niagara Rockbridge - Navajo Nation

Niagara Rockbridge, a 25-year-old member of the Navajo Nation from Pinon, Arizona, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service and leadership. She began her educational journey at Diné College, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. From an early age, Niagara showcased her leadership abilities, serving as Chair of the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council and member of the Intertribal Youth Agriculture Council. In these roles, she played a crucial part in implementing policy changes benefiting Navajo youth and agricultural resources. Her commitment to her community was further recognized when she was crowned Miss Indian Arizona for 2018-2019 and Miss Navajo Nation for 2021-2022. Through these platforms, Niagara amplified the voices of Native communities and inspired future leaders.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as one of the “2020 25 under 25” and named a “2022 Modern Hero of the West.” Looking ahead, Niagara plans to continue her education by pursuing an MBA and aims to begin her career as a Government and Legislative Associate at the Navajo Nation Washington Office. Her passion for public service and dedication to the Navajo people remain the driving forces behind her aspirations.

Regina Qussauyaq Therchik - Nunakauyarmiut Tribe

Regina, a 25-year-old enrolled member of the Nunakauyarmiut Tribe, resides in Anchorage, Alaska. She holds a Bachelor’s in History from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, where she conducted research to enhance inclusivity for Native students on campus. Regina is the Workforce and Shareholder Development Manager at Calista Corporation, an ANCSA Regional Corporation. In this role, she leads a team dedicated to advancing education, training, and professional development for Shareholders and Descendants. She also created a corporate Cultural Training program to educate employees about the history and cultures of the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Cup’ig, and Athabascan Calista Shareholders. Regina serves as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for both the Alaska Native Professional Association and Alaska EXCEL. The former focuses on fostering relationships, leadership, and community involvement among Alaska Native professionals, while the latter provides experiential learning and career exploration opportunities for rural high school students and young adults.

Regina aims to pursue graduate or certificate programs centered on Indigenous knowledge and leadership. She is committed to expanding her team’s offerings to create more opportunities for Calista Shareholders and the broader Alaska Native and American Indian community. Despite growing up in a remote coastal town in Alaska, Regina has sought global experiences, including attending a public boarding school 1,000 miles away and studying abroad at Southwest University in Chongqing, China. She is honored to represent her tribe and proud of her achievements and contributions.

Savannah Slayton - Citizen of the Cherokee Nation

Savannah is a Citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a third generation Filipino-American woman hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is a first generation high school graduate and first generation college student at the University Of Oklahoma with a high school diploma from Northwest Classen high school. Savannah is currently in her third year of college, double majoring in Political Science: Elections/Campaign Management and Native American Studies with a minor in Constitutional Studies, and an active advocate for Indian Country through her research, as well as passionate about civics education and bettering the quality of education in Oklahoma through all of her endeavors. She currently works in the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Her endeavors include doing research about the historical intentions of the United States Education System and understanding the legacy of settler colonialism on contemporary education. In addition to her independent projects, she also works with her faculty mentor on a project related to truth telling of boarding schools where we understand how the tribal nations want their history related to the Federal Indian Boarding School System to be taught, as well as doing oral histories to understand the impact of boarding schools on Oklahoma. Savannah has participated in many fellowships and internship opportunities such as the Mellon Impact Fellowship, Global Engagement Fellowship, Ewing Public Service Fellowship, Capitol Scholars Program, Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Fellowship, and more. Savannah also is a Henderson Scholar, President’s Leadership Class 62 alum, McNair Scholar, etc. She takes pride in her Native identity and enjoys spending time with her Native community on campus such as her sorority, Gamma Delta Pi, which is the only Native Women’s sorority at the University of Oklahoma, and the American Indian Student Association. Although Savannah is high achieving academically, she is also an overachiever older sibling. Savannah is the eldest of five children and comes from a single parent household where she continues to be an example of what a strong woman and leader looks like.