2025 Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy

Cailinn Allen - Gila River Indian Community

Cailinn Allen is Akimel O’otham of the Gila River Indian Community and Mexican. She is from Phoenix, Arizona and is currently an undergraduate student at Stanford University majoring in Earth Systems with a minor in Native American Studies. Ms. Allen is devoted to strengthening traditional ecological knowledge in environmental science, climate change adaptation, and uplifting tribal environmental policy on O’odham jeved.

Ms. Allen attended Mountain Pointe High School and received numerous awards and scholarships. She is a 2024 Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year, a Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award Recipient in Green Sustainability, National Honor Society Scholarship Semi-Finalist, Chief Azule Scholar, and a 2024 Smithsonian Museum of the American Latino Young Ambassador. Through the University of Arizona’s Native American Science and Engineering Program she completed a research project, “Photosynthetic Differences Between Urban and Natural Saguaros”, and presented her work at the 2024 National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair. At Stanford, she is an active member of the Indigenous and art communities, working with the Stanford American Indian Organization’s Community Engagement and Powwow Committee in addition to staffing at the Institute for Diversity in the Arts. In 2025, Ms. Allen interned at Gila River’s Department of Environmental Quality through Stanford’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship, working towards her aspiration to uplift desert sovereignties.

Natalie Anderson - Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska

Natalie is a enrolled citizen of Tlingit and Haida from and residing in Seattle Washington. Natalie graduated this past June with her high school diploma through Kentwood, as well as her 2 year AA through the running start program at Green River College. Natalie is highly interested in Environmental science, specifically in the field of Law and Policy. The next few years she will be focused on attaining her bachelors in arts in order to attend law school for environmental law and policy. She is also heavily interested in wood/carpentry and has been looking into internships or side programs for working with wood. This upcoming year, she will also be focused on working on events for Tlingit & Haida youth committee, working as a peer mentor helping students adjust with their new school schedules at Green River College, working as a committee member for the club funding council passing or declining funding for events, and working on joining internships for law and policy/ environmental science work. Natalie has participated with the Green River Coalition doing invasive extractions and native specie planting throughout Auburn. She will also be continuing outdoor education and civic engagement through the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom center and the Institute for Community Leadership. She has connections to Tlingit & Haida tribes of Alaska and connections of Blackfeet tribes of Montana . She has been reconnecting her roots from both her matrilineal and patrilineal sides, especially in reconnection with her Alaskan Native roots, due to heavy family impacts through generational drug/alcohol addictions, as well as Foster care and CPS seperation and reunification in her family.

Amelia Andress - Seneca Mohawk

Amelia Andress is a 20-year-old Seneca Mohawk woman whose life is a blend of her Indigenous heritage and being a urban native. Growing up, her father made sure that their Native culture was alive and thriving in their home, teaching her songs, stories, and traditions that she holds onto tightly . These teachings were more than just lessons; they formed the foundation of Amelia’s identity and sense of purpose. In 2022, Amelia faced a heartbreaking loss when her father passed away from cancer. During his final moments, she was right by his side, nurturing him in a way that honored their traditions. This experience was profound, not just as a goodbye, but as a turning point that set Amelia on a path toward birthwork. Inspired by her father’s teachings, she realized her calling to support others during significant life transitions, just as she had supported him.At just 17, Amelia began training to become a postpartum doula. In December, she started her journey, later discovering the Postpartum Healing Lodge and the Center for Indigenous Midwifery. Through training with Indigenous practitioners, she deepened her understanding of postpartum care, focusing on the unique needs of her community. For Amelia, this was more than a career choice; it was a way to honor her father’s legacy and contribute to the well-being of others.She worked as senior intern with the Urban Native Education Alliance, Amelia is dedicated to uplifting her community and ensuring Indigenous voices are heard. Her journey is a testament to the strength of her heritage and the importance of carrying forward the teachings of her ancestors. Amelia just made her officially way into the powwow circle this year and as already been embracing it, She dances in honor of her father and her family, she dances for her people and her community , she dances Jingle and holds it in the highest honor. Amelia Andress’s story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to her community.

Tlakatl Atl - Mayan K'Iche', Mexikah, Wixárika

Tlakatl Atl is a dedicated community activist, cultural leader, and student deeply rooted in uplifting Indigenous communities. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, they have served the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Education and Cultural Learning Department since 2019, guiding Native youth through cultural programming and art while strengthening cultural identity and connection. As a danzante and drummer with Kalpulli Temachtia Quetzalcoatl since 2010, Tlakatl Atl helps keep traditional Mexikah ceremonial dances alive across the San Fernando Valley.

They are a youth leader with the Tutčint Youth Health Leadership Program, where they organize city-wide events and advocate for mental health and policy change. Tlakatl Atl is also a member of the national Advocates for Youth Free the Pill Youth Council, fighting for accessible birth control for all young people.

An accomplished scholar, Tlakatl Atl graduated from ArTES Magnet High School as ASB President, founder of the school’s first Indigenous Student Council, and an Honor Roll student with a 3.8 GPA. They are now pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance at California State University, Long Beach, integrating Indigenous perspectives and ceremonial practices to challenge colonial structures in contemporary dance.

Honored as a Yale Bassett Community Engagement Scholar and recipient of The Herb Alpert Scholarship for Emerging Artists, Tlakatl Atl continues to lead with creativity, cultural pride, and a vision for Indigenous youth empowerment and self-determination.

Vydell Baker - 'Lingit (Tlingit)

Vydell Baker was born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska, alongside two brothers. Though they lacked access to their cultural roots, they were no strangers to the generational traumas woven into their family's history: poverty, avoidance, depression, and substance abuse were among some of the obstacles she set out to overcome. Life, however, still had moments of joy amidst the hardships. Growing up with little meant finding creativity and connecting with the outdoors. Through various camping and beach trips, tree climbing, snow treks, and endless imaginative games, Vydell and her brothers learned to respect and care for the land that nurtured them.

Despite not being raised with a strong cultural presence, Vydell always felt a longing to know her heritage. Summers spent following her grandfather to Wrangell, Alaska, where she would eventually move, opened her to those opportunities. After moving, she began learning from various aunties and uncles, coming to understand her grandfather had always implemented the cultural values of their people even if it wasn't obvious. He taught her to be courteous to others and respectful of the wildlife harvested. To then share their gatherings, feeding their community without greed. To be loud and proud when it was appropriate, but to also know when it wasn't.

Today, Vydell carries those lessons into her day-to-day life. She spends her time in nature, listens intently to her elders, and ensures she uses every part of what she harvests. She finds the greatest joy in giving back. Whether it's sharing harvests, offering a helping hand, or seeing the gratitude of her elders reflected in their bright smiles. As the Director of Land Tours for Alaska Waters, Inc., she guides cultural tours and educates guests from all walks of life, sharing not just the history of her people, but the values and traditions that continue to shape her journey.

Rayeln Bark - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

​​Raylen is a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, also has roots with the Mississippi Choctaw, Hualapai, and Hidatsa tribes. She's from the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, North Carolina. Raylen graduated from Dartmouth College, where she studied Native American and Indigenous Studies and Linguistics.

At Dartmouth, she served as Co-President of Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD) and was a member of the esteemed Palaeopitus Senior Society.

Raylen is an aspiring attorney and a passionate language advocate, driven by a desire to serve her community. She plans to attend law school, hoping to return home and use her legal skills to benefit her people, particularly in language revitalization.

From 2022 to 2023, Raylen proudly served as Miss Cherokee for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She values learning from other cultures and languages, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Her experiences have instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a global perspective.

The oldest of four, Raylen cherishes being an older sister. She enjoys running, reading, biking, learning about her culture and language, spending time with family and friends, and going to ceremony.

Amy Chalan Vacacela - Kichwa Saraguro

Amy Chalán Vacacela is a Kichwa Saraguro advocate, community organizer, violinist, and skateboarder based in Lenape Territory. Born in Ecuador and raised in the US, her undocumented, transnational upbringing informs her commitment to Indigenous youth wellbeing, cultural reclamation, land-based healing, and climate justice. In 2023, Amy became the first Kichwa Ecuadorian woman to graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Social Studies and Art, Film, and Visual Studies, where her community-engaged research explored Indigenous Futurisms, Kichwa hip-hop, and cultural activism in the Ecuadorian Andes. Amy’s post-graduate engagements span various roles and movements; she is an Ecuadorian Heritage Ambassador with ArtsWestchester, a recipient of the Young Climate Leaders of Color scholarship with the People's Climate Innovation Center, and an awardee of the Banga Family Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship and Richardson Public Service Fellowship. She is also recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts’ Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grant, which supports her studies of Andean folk music under Ecuadorian maestro César Vele. Most recently, Amy co-founded and currently directs Sapiyay Collective – a growing youth-led education and research collective empowering Indigenous Latinx youth in the Turtle Island diaspora. In her free time, she loves to study herbalism, tend to her garden, and weave with her Tias.

Aaliyah Chappell - Cowlitz, Nisqually, Yakama

Aaliyah Chappell (she/her) is an enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and also comes from Nisqually and Yakama heritage. She is currently a sophomore attending the University of Washington-Bothell, planning to major in Computer Engineering and minor in American Indian Studies. Growing up in Washington State, Aaliyah actively involved herself in athletics as a multi-sport athlete. She eventually gained interest in game development, which inspired her to explore ways to bridge traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern technology through computer programming. This intersectionality demonstrates her commitment to bringing Indigenous perspectives into the tech industry. She envisions a future where technology serves people rather than perpetuating existing inequalities. Throughout her years leading up to college, Aaliyah became heavily involved in her Urban Native community, interning for Seattle Indian Health Board and Urban Native Education Alliance and serving as a member of SIHB's Kiis Council. She also has participated in Leadership camps through the Native American Youth Leadership Academy and during the UNITY conference. Outside of her work, Aaliyah loves to kayak, dance, play basketball, practice Taekwondo, and spend time with her dog, Mocha, and cat, Salem.

Sarah Chatter - Navajo

Sarah Chatter (she/her) is Navajo of the Towering House clan, born for the Many Goats clan. Her maternal grandfather is Start of the Red Streak clan and her paternal grandfather is Salt clan. Sarah’s roots are grounded in the lands her grandmothers come from. On her mom’s side, it is a black rock near an offshoot of the Grand Canyon, called Tsézhinii’áhí, near Bodaway Gap, AZ. On her dad’s side, it is a vast spread of land atop a mesa near Dilkon, AZ, called Hashk’aan Diiłzidí, or Rotten Banana Butte.

Sarah graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2023, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with minors in Applied Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Health Studies. This fall, Sarah will start at the University of Washington, pursuing a Master of Public Health in the Community Oriented Public Health Practice program.

For the past two years, Sarah has been a fellow with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Tribes program. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, running, working with traditional and medicinal plants, drinking coffee, and talking all things Public Health. Someday she hopes to return to the Navajo Nation and work for a clinic opening near her home community of Bodaway-Gap, AZ, implementing culturally grounded programs that prevent chronic disease and uplifts communities. Sarah would also like to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with an emphasis in one health, merging her love of communities, animals, and the environment.

Star Diavolikis - Yakama & Umatilla

xaslú, Star Diavolikis, is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and direct descendant of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. She currently works as the Public Information Officer for the Yakama Nation and leads the government's communications initiatives.

Star is the daughter of two Army veterans, sister to her older brother Demetrios, and was raised on the Yakama Reservation. She attended school in Granger, WA with a 3.7 GPA. She was dual-enrolled with Yakima Valley College, graduating at 17 years old with her High School Diploma and an Associate's Degree in 2020. She then graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Media and Journalism in 2022 from Central Washington University as a First Generation student.

While at CWU, Star held many jobs, but at student newspaper "The Observer," she became the Editor-in-Chief and implemented the "Diversity Section" and launched "Observer en Español."

Star worked at the Tribal School as the Home Liaison - this experience taught her the importance of tribal initiatives for its membership. Afterwards, she started her current role in March 2023.

Since 2011, Star has volunteered with the Yakama Warriors Association - a veterans organization based on the Yakama Reservation that her parents are members of.

She has recently rejoined the pow wow circle in honor of her mother and late grandmother. She can be found every weekend at work, a pow wow, or at the park with her puppy Chicle.

Zoe Fess - Hoocak (Ho-Chunk) & Prairie Band Potawatomi

Zoe is Hoocak and Prairie Band Potawatomi from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Zoe was fortunate to grow up along the banks of the Wisconsin River and in her community. She learned from her great grandma and her mom about traditional Hoocak foods, cultural traditions and life-ways. Later in life, Zoe pursued her Bachelor's in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University focusing on food systems. Zoe is currently pursuing her Master's in Agroecology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she is working with tribal communities on including more culturally relevant foods into food assistance programs. Previously, Zoe has developed partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution as well as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization where she is a UN Global Indigenous Youth-North American Representative. Zoe is also a founding board member, seed saver and environmentalist for the non-profit, Wild Bearies. She enjoys being in community, being in the garden, and learning as much as she can from others.

Karen Guise - Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

Karen Guise, an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation, is a senior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Political Science with a minor in Leadership. A passionate advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, representation, and youth empowerment, Karen is committed to building a future where Native voices shape the laws that affect their communities.

Karen currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (VPDIA) for the Panhellenic Council, where she uplifts underrepresented voices and leads initiatives to foster equity across 13 sororities. Nationally, she represents Native youth as the Public Relations Representative for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Youth Commission, using social media and public speaking to amplify Indigenous youth priorities. She previously served on the Minnesota Youth Council (MNYC), where she advocated for Native youth at the state level and helped pass key legislation improving access to mental health services for students.

For four years, Karen was the Communication Specialist for the Red Lake Nation Youth Council (RLNYC), where she streamlined messaging, built partnerships, and created the Red Lake Spirit Run—a local event honoring culture, wellness, and community healing. Her leadership style blends traditional knowledge with policy-based change.

Karen’s advocacy is rooted in the belief that “if you can change the laws, you can change the world.” Her work continues to reflect her deep commitment to cultural pride, generational healing, and community leadership. She is preparing for a future in public service where she hopes to serve as a U.S. Senator representing Indigenous nations.

Codie Horse-Topetchy - Kiowa, Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Codie Horse-Topetchy, [Gú[dòhìñ Mà (Eagle Woman) is a proud member of the Kiowa, Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, and Pawnee tribes.

She currently resides in Norman, Oklahoma where she is rising senior at the University of Oklahoma. Codie is majoring in Native American studies with minors in Political Science and Linguistics.

Codie is currently a researcher in the Native Studies department at the University of Oklahoma and is working on a project regarding the ecological knowledges of the Otoe-Missouria in regard to the environment. She is collaborating with scientists to predict flooding on the reservation and better prepare her Otoe-Missouria people for potential natural disasters. She has also conducted research with the department on the historical experiences of her Kiowa ancestors in boarding schools and at Fort Marion.

Codie is also a student researcher at the South Central Climate Adaptation Center where she is conducting research over bison and how they can help regenerate the prairie ecosystems in Oklahoma. She is also an Apprentice with the Intertribal Buffalo Council and has worked with the Kiowa Tribal Buffalo Herd.

Codie was selected as a Young Climate Leader of Color and UNITY Earth Ambassador for her environmental research and advocacy.

Codie is thoroughly involved in her tribal community, as she was raised in a traditional household with her mother and grandparents who instilled the importance of Kiowa culture in her. She regularly attends ceremonies, dances, and is active in the Kiowa Language Program. Her passions are cultural preservation, language, & bison restoration.

She plans to obtain a Masters in Environmental Science and come back and serve her respective communities.

Jocelyn James - Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Jocelyn James is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma with a strong passion for thoroughly understanding and educating others about the historic connection between agriculture and American Indigenous culture. Her dedication to this cause began when her involvement in the National FFA Organization led to writing and delivering speeches regarding tribal water sovereignty policies, and was greatly emboldened after representing Native American youth in agriculture in Washington D.C. in meetings with the U.S Department of the Interior, State, and Agriculture in 2024. After being selected to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Youth Council, Jocelyn expanded her network within the industry and decided to pursue a degree and career in that field. In April of 2025, Jocelyn was selected to serve as an undergraduate Tribal Agriculture Fellow with plans to obtain a degree in Plant and Soil Sciences from Oklahoma State University. She hopes to work in agriculture and tribal policy in the future, paying great respect to her Chahta roots in Southeastern Oklahoma and the ancestral beliefs in the importance of land stewardship.

Kailyn Jordan - Colville Confederated Tribes and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Kailyn Jordan is a proud descendant of the Colville Confederated Tribes and The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. She is a class of 2025 graduate and currently attends Shoreline Community College majoring in English with the plan to transfer to University of California, Los Angeles or Irvine.

Kailyn grew up in Shoreline being raised by her Grandmother, Aunt and Mother, who were all social workers in the Seattle Native community and credits her unique upbringing for her passion and dedication to serving her communities. In high school, Kailyn was vice-president of her school's Black Student Union and helped guide the process of starting Native Student Union before graduating. This past year she has been interning for Urban Native Education Alliance. Her work has included organizing youth gatherings, attending cultural workshops, and creating safe and inclusive spaces for Indigenous youth in urban settings. One of her biggest focuses is helping the unhoused community in Seattle and throughout high school she volunteered with various different non-profits and mutual-aid groups to provide assistance such as meals, clothes and housing resources to all those who needed it. She loves connecting with people of all ethnicities, ages, genders and sexual orientations to better understand how to be an inclusive leader.

She is a passionate writer and is working to go into television writing with the hopes of bringing more Native stories to mainstream media. She grew up noticing the lack of Indigenous main characters in popular sitcoms and shows and is dedicated to getting more Native representation in the entertainment industry.

As a member of the Youth Academy, Kailyn looks forward to being able to strengthen and put her strong leadership skills to use in a Native setting while connecting with other Indigenous women leaders.

Kaydance Levesque - Turtle Mountain Chippewa and Comanche

Kaydance Levesque is a driven Environmental Science undergraduate at the University of Washington, deeply committed to environmental justice and cultural preservation. As an Indigenous and first-generation college student, Kaydance brings a powerful lens to the intersection of scientific inquiry and decolonization, applying her academic experience to real world challenges.

She serves as an undergraduate assistant in the DEAI&D department at the Burke museum, where she coordinates cultural harvesting, documents community events, and leads efforts to reframe colonial narratives in public spaces. In her role with the HEAL Community Capacity Grant program, Kaydance conducts policy research and collaborates on solutions to environmental injustices affecting marginalized communities.

Her leadership extends to active membership in First Nations at UW and the Yehawli Indigenous Study Group. Recognized as a Dean’s List scholar and recipient of multiple university honors, including the Washington State Opportunity Baccalaureate and the School of Environment and Forestry Sciences awards, Kaydance exemplifies the role of the scientist as community advocate fusing academic excellence with a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Sydney Renee - Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Sydney Renee is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. She grew up and currently resides in Kitsap County, ancestral Suquamish land. Sydney has always been a storyteller, filling up countless notebooks with new novel ideas from a young age. She began acting as a child and loved the way she could bring a story to life for an audience. Since then, she has been acting in various film and theatre projects in western WA, and can be seen in Mermaid Motel Media’s Wasteland and The Handsome Man. She graduated from Central Washington University in 2022 with degrees in English Writing and Liberal Studies with a focus in Communications.

Sydney strives to continue telling meaningful stories in different mediums, focusing on the Indigenous and queer experience, and uplifting Indigenous voices. She is the co-founder of the new female, queer, and Indigenous owned production company, Cosmic Coyote Media. Sydney was selected for the “Inter Tribal Youth Film Project” for 2025, where she is working with mentor and President of Sky Bear Media, Jeff Barehand, to write and direct her first short film. She is also in the 2025 cohort for the inaugural Emergence Films “Emerging Filmmakers Program”, a program focused on supporting early career female filmmakers.

She currently serves as Vice Chair on the Cowlitz “Since Time Immemorial Curriculum Committee”, where she works on developing curriculum that will teach students in over 30 school districts located on Cowlitz ancestral land about the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s past, present, and future.

Tania Roan - Navajo Nation

Tania Roan is a member of the Navajo Nation, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She currently resides in Seattle, Washington after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health at Fort Lewis College (FLC). Tania is a first generation college student and has been supported in many ways throughout her education. As a freshman in high school, she was accepted to a prestigious program for young Native American students called the Hoop of Learning program with Maricopa Community Colleges. This opportunity allowed her to get a headstart and learn meaningful skills, such as interpersonal communication, networking, and creating lasting relationships with fellow native students. After graduating high school, Tania entered college at FLC as an incoming sophomore. During the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tania pursued a public health degree with a minor in psychology and a pre-health certificate. During her fourth year at FLC, Tania was nominated and awarded a spot in the first cohort of the Springboard Fellowship, allowing her to grow her networking skills and work with the community in Durango, Colorado expanding her connections and creating meaningful relationships. Today, Tania is a dedicated professional who brings compassion and patience in the work she does as a patient care coordinator. She believes everyone deserves accessible and holistic care, and has dreams to become a provider to ensure that native communities are healthy communities.

Kellian Staggers - Navajo

Kellian Staggers (She/Her), Diné (Navajo) and Black, is deeply invested in Indigenous-focused policy development and reform that promotes equitable conditions for all peoples. While based on O’odham land, she originates from Northern Arizona near Sháá’tóhí (Shonto/Water on Sunny Side), Arizona.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in 2022, Kellian joined the NDN Collective team. As an Advancement Officer with NDN Collective, Kellian serves as an advocate in donor relations that bolsters resource reallocation to Indigenous-led advocacy and infrastructure development efforts. In this role, Kellian has begun to develop her organizing and advocacy skills, which she hopes to continue to nurture by curating a personal network of movement and policy leaders that she can build and learn with.

While attending Columbia University, Kellian supported Indigenous youth communities through educational policy development and Admissions student outreach. As a College Access Intern, Kellian led with a fierce passion to increase the Native student population in the Ivies.

Her commitment to resource rematriation and policy reform underscores a determination to create sustainable systemic change. As a proud Black and Navajo woman, Kellian has a deep interest in exploring the intersectionality of the Black and Indigenous experience, methods of solidarity, and strengthening cross-movement relationships.

Kennedy Stone - Grand Portage Band Chippewa

Kennedy Stone is an incoming third year studying Biology at the University of Washington. Throughout her time on campus she has been involved in various organizations such as First Nations at UW, AISES, Native American UW Scholars and has worked with wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Intellectual House. Kennedy is a descendant of the Grand Portage Chippewa Tribe, and currently works as a Student Lead at the Intellectual House, where she works as part of a dedicated staff that helps with welcoming native students each year. She intends to pursue a career in dentistry where she can get involved with more native organizations such as the IHS to provide healthcare to native communities across the nation. Beyond her involvement in the indigenous Community, Kennedy also is an academic who has founded her own Book Club where she is the Vice President, and an active member of University life, where she sings in the UW Recital Choir and helps coordinate sporting events as a member of the University of Washington's Dawg Pack executive Board. As Kennedy enters her Junior Year at the University of Washington, she hopes to continue making space for diversity in academia, and continue her work to create a welcoming environment for all native students.