For Jamie Crowe, a dedicated member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and Southwest Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about fostering connections, promoting wellness, and celebrating community traditions. This month, Jamie demonstrated the power of servant leadership through a busy schedule of school, work, and impactful events that brought joy and unity to their community.
“This was a fun event, especially since I believe this is one of the first big Halloween events we’ve had since before COVID,” Jamie shared. “To see everyone come together is always so amazing.”
Reuniting the Community Through Festivities
Jamie’s Pueblo Youth Council collaborated with the Health and Wellness Center to organize a Halloween Carnival featuring a pumpkin patch and a haunted house. This was the first major Halloween event in the community since the pandemic, making it an extraordinary occasion.
“It was amazing to put on our haunted house once again—it’s always a big hit within our community,” Jamie said. “The joy of seeing everyone come together is something I’ll never forget.”
Events like these align with UNITY’s mission to promote the social, mental, physical, and spiritual development of Native youth. By creating community connections and celebration spaces, Jamie and their youth council are strengthening bonds and fostering wellness.
Connecting Youth Across the Southwest
This month also marked a milestone for Jamie as they participated in their first Southwest Regional Meetup. Collaborating with Western Representative Jalen Harvey, Jamie engaged with youth from across the region in a virtual setting, providing a platform for connection and dialogue.
“I was nervous, but it was a great virtual meet-up, and I feel prepared for my solo spring meetup!” Jamie said. “I learned how to host a beneficial and engaging meetup with youth from my region. Being able to keep them connected and talking to others from their state and nearby regions was amazing to see.”
UNITY’s regional meetups encourage Native youth nationwide to work together, share ideas, and foster collective impact through grassroots efforts. These gatherings create opportunities for leadership development and collaboration, ensuring that young leaders like Jamie are equipped to inspire change in their communities.
Promoting Wellness Through Leadership
Through events like the Halloween Carnival and the Southwest Regional Meetup, Jamie exemplifies the importance of civic engagement and volunteering in preserving culture and strengthening community resilience. Their work reflects UNITY’s commitment to empowering Native youth to lead with purpose and compassion.
“Being able to meet with youth from my region was great,” Jamie said. “It’s incredible to see how connected we can be, even virtually, and how much we can accomplish when we work together.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Jamie’s dedication to uplifting their community and connecting with Southwestern youth highlights servant leadership’s transformative power. By balancing academic responsibilities with their role as a UNITY representative, Jamie demonstrates how Native youth can lead with passion and resilience.
“Leadership is about creating opportunities for connection and growth,” Jamie shared. “Whether through community events or regional meetups, every action we take brings us closer to a stronger, more unified future.”
A Vision of Unity
Through their efforts this month, Jamie Crowe inspires a new generation of Native youth to embrace their heritage, celebrate their communities, and lead purposefully. Their work is a testament to the power of connection and the enduring impact of UNITY’s mission to build a unified and self-reliant Native America.
Jamie’s story reminds us that leadership is not just about taking on responsibilities—it’s about fostering joy, building relationships, and empowering others to thrive. With their passion and dedication, Jamie creates a legacy of hope, unity, and progress for Native youth in the Southwest and beyond.