For Jamie Crowe, a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and the Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council’s Executive Committee, leadership is more than an individual journey—it’s about reaching back and lifting others. Through UNITY’s Healing Circle training, Jamie is not only growing as a leader but also mentoring the next generation of Native changemakers, leaving a lasting impact on her peers and her community.
This summer, Jamie attended her first Healing Circle training at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The training was part of a summer bridge program for incoming Native college freshmen, providing guidance and connection as they embark on their higher education journeys.
“It was a wonderful time to experience and learn how to be a part of a Healing Circle training,” Jamie shared. “This training taught me valuable skills, like being able to speak up and engage a group of youth in their community. It made me happy to be a mentor to this wonderful group of youth!”
Building Safe Spaces and Future Leaders
The Healing Circle curriculum is a cornerstone of UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. It encourages young leaders to create safe spaces for their peers to share experiences, heal, and grow together. Jamie’s role in this training exemplifies the impact of peer mentoring in building resilient communities.
At SIPI, Jamie worked with 12 incoming freshmen, helping them find their voice and inspiring them to get involved on their campuses. “Being there to mentor these students reminded me how much power there is in connection and support,” Jamie said. “It’s about creating a safe space where they feel heard and encouraged to take on leadership roles.”
Jamie also emphasized how the Healing Circle principles align with UNITY’s mission. “It’s about helping young people see the importance of civic engagement and volunteering—not just for their personal growth, but for the strength and unity of our communities,” she explained.
Mentorship Across Generations
Jamie’s journey as a mentor has been shaped by her own experiences with UNITY, where UNITY leaders inspired her across generations. This intergenerational mentorship is a hallmark of UNITY’s approach to youth leadership development, ensuring that young leaders are equipped with the tools to continue building strong communities.
Jamie is now taking these lessons to the University of New Mexico, where she serves as a peer mentor, encouraging Native students to pursue higher education. By creating spaces for dialogue and support, she’s empowering students to see themselves as leaders in their own right. “I want Native students to know they can be UNITY leaders on their campuses. We can bring the values of UNITY—community, resilience, and service—wherever we go,” Jamie said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Healing Circle training at SIPI also highlighted the collaborative nature of UNITY’s programs. Jamie worked alongside UNITY 25 Under 25 member Derek Capitan and Northwest Representative Jalen Harvey, demonstrating how UNITY’s national network of leaders strengthens their communities. Jamie was able to gain hands-on learning from the previous year’s Southwest Regional Representative with instruction from UNITY staff and alumni. In this way, Jamie serves as a peer mentor to the SIPI students while also learning from previous generations of UNITY alumni.
“Seeing how everyone brought their perspective and skills to the training was incredible,” Jamie said. “It reminded me that leadership is about teamwork and sharing what you’ve learned to uplift others.”
UNITY’s Legacy of Leadership
For nearly 50 years, UNITY has empowered Native youth to become leaders, mentors, and community advocates. Through programs like the Healing Circle training, UNITY fosters personal development, citizenship, and leadership, ensuring a strong and self-reliant Native America.
Jamie’s work reflects this legacy, proving that youth leadership is a powerful force for change. “I’ve learned that being a mentor isn’t just about teaching—it’s about listening, learning, and growing together,” Jamie said. “That’s how we create a stronger future for our communities.”
By embracing the values of UNITY and carrying them forward, Jamie Crowe is inspiring Native youth to step into their power as leaders, ensuring that the next generation is ready to make a lasting impact.