Connecting Across the Midwest: Marla Mesarina Inspires Youth Leadership Through Engagement
For Marla Mesarina, a proud member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, leadership is about more than action—it’s about connection. As the Midwest Regional Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Marla recently hosted a virtual fall meetup that brought together youth from the Midwest and Southern Plains regions. Despite balancing her role as a UNITY leader with the demands of midterm exams, Marla demonstrated how servant leadership can inspire and empower Native youth to create change.
“This was my favorite virtual UNITY meetup ever,” Marla shared. “I got to engage with the youth, which motivated me so much.” The virtual meet-ups allow Native youth from across the country to connect and keep in touch during UNITY conferences.
Building Bridges Through Engagement
The fall meetup provided a platform for Native youth to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other. The event was organized on Zoom and featured UNITY staff and youth leaders from two regions, fostering collaboration and strengthening ties across the network.
UNITY’s mission to build a strong, unified Native America is rooted in these grassroots efforts, where young leaders come together to address challenges and celebrate their cultures. For Marla, the meetup was an opportunity to create a safe and inspiring space for youth to feel heard and supported.
“Seeing how engaged the youth were reminded me why I love being part of UNITY,” Marla said. “Their energy and ideas are what drive change in our communities.”
Balancing Leadership and Personal Growth
In addition to hosting the meetup, Marla focused on her midterm exams, reflecting her commitment to personal development and academic success. Her ability to balance these responsibilities highlights UNITY’s emphasis on holistic growth—social, mental, physical, and spiritual.
“Leadership isn’t just about showing up for others—it’s also about continuing to grow yourself,” Marla said. “Through UNITY, I’ve learned how to balance my education with my passion for serving my community.”
Promoting Wellness and Unity
By hosting the meetup, Marla contributed to the mental and social wellness of Native youth, creating a space where they could share their challenges, successes, and hopes for the future. Events like these are critical in fostering community resilience and encouraging youth to take on community leadership roles.
UNITY’s programs empower Native youth nationwide to collaborate on initiatives that strengthen their cultural heritage and address pressing issues, whether on reservations, campuses, or urban centers. Leaders like Marla ensure that every voice is valued and every idea has the potential to make an impact.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Marla’s work as a UNITY representative showcases the power of civic engagement and volunteerism in sustaining cultural pride and grassroots mobilization. By creating opportunities for Native youth to connect and lead, she is helping to build a future where Indigenous voices are heard and celebrated.
“This virtual meetup gave me so much motivation,” Marla reflected. “It’s incredible to see how much potential our youth have and how UNITY brings us all together to make a difference.”
A Vision for Unity
Through her servant leadership, Marla Mesarina proves that connection is the foundation of progress. By fostering collaboration and celebrating the diversity of Native communities, she is inspiring the next generation of leaders to embrace their heritage, share their stories, and work together for a more robust, unified future.
Marla’s journey reminds us that leadership is not just about achieving goals but empowering others to achieve theirs. Her work with UNITY exemplifies how Native youth leaders can create meaningful change by staying rooted in their communities while building bridges nationwide.