Young Native Womxn's Leadership Academy
Each year since 2010, young womxn, ages 18-25, attend our Youth Academy which prepares the next generation of Native leaders by combining cultural values with modern tools and services. Spread across three days of challenging and inspiring leadership training, participants’ understandings of money, popular media, personal development, goal setting, leadership, tribal sovereignty, Indian law, networking, and self-expression are strengthened. Through debate and discussion with their peers under the guidance and instruction of honored elders and national experts in their fields, young women leave transformed, empowered, and prepared to make a positive difference in their communities.
For so many Native communities today, our young people represent the majority. It has been reported that in the US, 65% of the Native population is under 25 years old. As we celebrate the accomplishments of our established leaders, we also take on the responsibility to prepare and support the next generation. The Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy is one way that Native Action Network is responding to this need.
Academy participants represent a strong, diverse, and promising group of women who are ready to take their leadership journey to the next level. As a part of the program, young women will be introduced to our community and connect with those with the power and support to mentor these students as they pursue their goals. Together, we declare their power and define their future.
2024 Youth Academy
Every spring, Native Action Network accepts applications for the Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy. Native women anywhere in the US, ages 18-25 at the time of attendance on October 23, 2024, are invited to apply to our Academy. We recognize that gender is both fluid and expansive - all Native womxn are encouraged to submit, including those who identify as two-spirit, trans women, and genderqueer. Applications are evaluated on the applicant’s potential for leadership and commitment to Native service. The deadline for applications is Sunday, June 16, 2024. Applicants chosen for the Academy are notified shortly thereafter.
The 14th Annual Youth Academy will be at The Muckleshoot Casino Resort
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - Friday, October 25, 2024.
Apply for the Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy.
Attend NAN's 20th Annual Native Women's Leadership Forum.
The Native Women's Leadership Forum is an annual event full of workshops, breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and panels designed to encourage participants to make a positive impact in their community. Each year, the forum highlights a new theme, and with it new educational and training opportunities. Feedback tells us that attendees leave feeling empowered, recharged, and renewed. In conjunction with the Forum, NAN hosts a special luncheon to celebrate our Enduring Spirit Award honorees, a Youth Academy, and other affiliated programs each year.
Nominate a 2024 Enduring Spirit Awardee.
Enduring Spirit Awards are awarded during a luncheon at the Native Women's Leadership Forum in recognition of the lifetime achievements of Native women who through their commitment of time, energy, and volunteerism contribute to healthy communities. Please consider nominating the Native women leaders in your life to be recognized and celebrated for their Enduring Spirits. The deadline to nominate an awardee: Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Nominate a 2024 Rising Star Awardee.
The Rising Star Award is awarded during a luncheon at the Native Women's Leadership Forum in recognition of the achievements of young Native women. Please consider nominating the Native women in your life to be recognized and celebrated for their leadership. The deadline to nominate an awardee: Sunday, June 16, 2024.
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2022 Graduates of Youth Academy with Claudia Kauffman, NAN Co-founder (far left), and Misha Averill, NAN Vice President (far right).
Dream Big & Achieve It All
The curriculum covers a broad range of engaging topics designed to empower young Native women to shape their own futures, including:
The Power of Leading Your People. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Discover various paths of leadership with a panel of Native women across a wide spectrum of careers and roles. These accomplished women have built their careers with a foundation of passion and are making a difference in their communities and Indian Country.
Discover Your Strengths & Embrace Yourself. We all have our own strengths and skillsets that guide us through life. Understand your unique set of skills and learn ways to harness your abilities and relationships with others in the most meaningful ways.
Tribal Sovereignty. There is so much complexity within the governmental relationships between Tribes, States and the Federal Government. Learn how these layers work together and gain a deeper understanding of the issues that Tribes face as a result.
Build Habits to Last. We are all guilty of wanting to make a change but failing to follow through. Learn how to build healthy habits that continue into your future.
Group Artwork Project & Networking Opportunity. Collaborate with a local artist to work on an art project together!
Invest in a Healthy & Balanced Life. Our health is like an ecosystem, built of countless interlocking pieces that strive for balance within us. Serving others in our life and career can get overwhelming and heavy. Discuss the importance of healthy living including self-care, eating well, exercising, managing your stress and making the time for the things that bring you joy.
Important Issues in Indian Country. Explore the current issues that Tribes are facing as well as opportunities and challenges with the newly inaugurated President.
Engage with Your Community. Being involved in your community is extremely rewarding and the opportunities to do so are endless. Explore ways to participate through volunteerism, community events, learning opportunities, mentoring, and more!
Find Your Voice in a Virtual World. Finding yourself was hard enough before technology changed the way we share ourselves and view others. Explore the impacts of social media on personal development and perception of reality. Gain tips on using these platforms to market yourself and your work, while maintaining authenticity and a professional online presence.
Thrive in Adversity. Life is full of challenges and hurdles. Explore the tools that can help you turn a barrier into an opportunity so that you can use hardship as a catalyst to positivity, success and growth. Mindset is key to finding happiness no matter the circumstances.
About the Art
In 2021, Native Action Network commissioned custom Youth Academy artwork by Alyssa Masaquaptewa. Alyssa Adrinne Masaquaptewa (aka Aly) is a member of the Hopi Tribe from the village of Old Oraibi and belongs to the Greasewood clan. She is a 21 year old self taught digital artist. She is currently in college in Arizona for American Indian Studies. Her style is centered around creating a bridge between her urban life and traditional life. Aly says her greatest accomplishment is working through her art to mobilize the Native Vote in the 2020 Presidential Election.