Marla Mesarina Uplifts Native Youth Through Connection and Purpose
“Reconnecting with the youth council was very fulfilling as we all have been so busy,” shared Marla Mesarina, Midwest Regional Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. This month, Marla strengthened bonds with Native youth through impactful events, including attending the Leech Lake Youth Council meeting and hosting an icebreaker at the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum. Her efforts exemplify the power of collaboration and the mission of UNITY to build strong, self-reliant Native communities.
Reconnecting with Local Youth
Marla, a proud member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, returned to her roots by attending a meeting of the Leech Lake Youth Council earlier this month. This gathering, held at the Facility Center on the Leech Lake Reservation, was an opportunity to engage with youth from the area and the Gaa-Niigaaniziwaad Program.
“Reconnecting with the youth council reminded me why I love this work,” Marla said. “It’s fulfilling to see young leaders come together and commit to making a difference in their community.”
By fostering consistent engagement and creating a space for youth to collaborate, Marla is helping to promote the social, mental, and spiritual wellness of Native youth. Her leadership reflects UNITY’s commitment to empowering the next generation through grassroots efforts.
Making History WITH the White House
Marla also participated in the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum (WHTYF), a historic event cohosted by the White House Biden Administration, UNITY Inc., and the Center for Native American Youth. This groundbreaking day provided a platform for Native youth leaders to engage in interactive conversations and roundtable discussions with federal and high-ranking officials. The forum was designed to give Indigenous youth a direct voice in shaping policy and addressing critical community issues.
Each leader in attendance was hand-selected based on their service and impact within their communities, making Marla’s participation an exceptional honor. “I left the WHTYF feeling like I have a purpose as a Native youth,” she shared. “Expressing myself with other hard-working Natives at my table was empowering, as we all share the same motive.”
The event underscored the importance of recognizing Native youth as key stakeholders in building a better future. It provided Marla with a unique opportunity to represent her region on a national stage.
Promoting Unity Through Service
Through her work, Marla exemplifies UNITY’s mission to foster the development of Native youth by promoting collaboration, leadership, and cultural pride. Her efforts to reconnect with local youth councils and engage with national leaders demonstrate the collective impact of grassroots efforts on and off reservations, in schools, and in urban centers.
“UNITY encourages youth nationwide to come together and share their experiences,” Marla said. “It’s through these connections that we find strength and purpose.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Marla’s commitment to social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness is inspiring a new generation of Native youth to embrace their roles as leaders. Whether strengthening local councils or fostering national collaboration, her work reflects the enduring power of service and connection.
“Every meeting and event is an opportunity to grow, learn, and create positive change,” Marla said. “I’m grateful for the chance to work alongside such incredible youth and leaders.”
Building a Stronger Future
Marla Mesarina’s journey as a UNITY representative is a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in community, culture, and purpose. By uplifting Native youth and fostering collaboration, she is helping to build a brighter, more unified future for all Indigenous peoples.
Her story reminds us that every connection, no matter how small, is a step toward a stronger, more empowered Native America.