About the Young Native Womxn's Leadership Academy (Youth Academy)
For the Native community, young people under the age of 25 make up a larger percentage of our communities (38%) compared to the general population (32%). Our communities have always been intergenerational, and young people are already playing a significant role as leaders and changemakers. 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.
Established in 2010, the Young Native Women's Leadership Academy represent a strong, diverse, and promising group of women who are ready to take their leadership journey to the next level. Held alongside the Native Women's Leadership Forum, the Youth Academy facilitates an intergenerational leadership development experience as participants are introduced to hundreds of Native women leaders ready to support the rising generation.
Spread across three days of challenging and inspiring leadership training, the Youth Academy challenges participants to expand their understanding of leadership topics such as self-empowerment, career development, community advocacy, and more are strengthened. Through discussion with their peers and the guidance and instruction of honored elders and experts in their fields, participants leave transformed, empowered, and prepared to make a positive difference in their communities.
Apply for the 2026 Youth Academy!
The Young Women's Leadership Academy (Youth Academy) is designed for Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous women ages 18-25 from across the U.S. and beyond who are interested in expanding their leadership skills in community with other Native women. We recognize that gender is both fluid and expansive and welcome applications from those who identify as two-spirit, trans-, and/or genderqueer. Applications are evaluated on the applicant’s potential for leadership and commitment to Native service.
This year, the Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy will be October 27-30, 2026 at Suquamish Clearwater Resort in Suquamish, WA.
Application FAQs
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The Youth Academy is a leadership development program designed for emerging Native women leaders who are interested in expanding their leadership skills, engaging in professional development, bettering their communities, and contributing to a positive and encouraging learning environment with other young Native women leaders.
Learning sessions and workshops in past academies have covered topics such as:
Discover Your Strengths & Embrace Yourself
Building Your Brand
Your Cover Letter, Your Story
Restorative Leadership
Modeling and Confidence Building
Tribal Sovereignty 101
Voting is Good Medicine
and more!
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Eligibility requirements:
Must identify as Native American, Alaska Native, First Nations, and/or Indigenous. Enrollment in a federally recognized tribe is not required; however, applicants will be required to include documentation of Indigenous ancestry, which can include enrollment and/or a brief narrative describing Indigenous ancestry, including name(s) of indigenous communities and connections to those communities.
Applicant must self-identify as a young woman. We recognize that gender is both fluid and expansive, and our programs are open to those who identify as two-spirit, nonbinary, and/or genderqueer and feel comfortable in feminine-focused spaces.
Applicant must be between the ages of 18-25.
Applicant must be able to attend and fully participate in the Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy, including being able to arrange their own transportation to and from the program.
There are no restrictions on where applicants reside, but preference is given to applicants who are local to Washington State.
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Applications will close on Sunday, July 27, 2025 11:59pm PST.
After an application is submitted and reviewed, selected semi-finalists will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview.
Applicants are evaluated on a rolling basis, and so applicants are highly encouraged to submit their applications early!
Application opens: June 2, 2025
Application closes: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Selected participants are notified: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy dates: October 22 – 24, 2025
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There are no program fees required to participate in the Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy! Furthermore, NAN will cover food and lodging during the academy.
Participants are required, however, to cover their transportation to and from the program. As a leadership and professional development opportunity, many employers, tribes, and school programs have covered transportation costs for participants in the past. We highly recommend reaching out to these sources for transportation funding!
For any questions, please contact Kamryn Yanchick at policy@nativeactionnetwork.org.
Past Cohorts
2025 Cohort
Cailinn Allen, Natalie Anderson, Amelia Andress, Tlakatl Atl, Vydell Baker, Rayeln Bark, Amy Chalan Vacacela, Aaliyah Chappell, Sarah Chatter, Star Diavolikis, Zoe Fess, Karen Guise, Codie Horse-Topetchy, Jocelyn James, Kailyn Jordan, Kaydance Levesque, Sydney Renee, Tania Roan, Kellian Staggers, Kennedy Stone.
2024 Cohort
Aiyana Jollie, Amelia Andress, Angelina Giago, Ashlynn Kate Azure, Bianca Ten Fingers, Ciara Dennis, Hannah Naljahih, Jazell Jenkins, Jenna Makes Good, Juliana Gaddis, Kalysta Crone, Kayla Harstad, Nevaeh Davis, Niagara Rockbridge, Regina Qussauyaq Therchik, Savannah Slayton.
2023 Cohort
Amaria Rosado, Anisha Marion-Pasaghesic, Annie Partney, Ashley Davis, Autumn McMillan, Deana Mitchell, Eliana Antone, Gianni Lacey-Howard, Hannah Poorman, Jadyn Hatch, JaNaya Reeves, Jessica Begay, Jizhoni Witherspoon, Kamryn Yanchick, Kayla Harstad, Leslie Burnette, Maliyah Totten, Shalae Williams, Sharon Bassette.
2022 Cohort
Amaria Rosado, Elizah Dominy, Ella Fernandes, Jonnette Paddy, Katelynn Pratt, Kaya Fernandes, Keesha Vigil, Tamika Krise, Violette Capoeman.
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.