This month, Mahiya Ramirez stepped into a powerful facilitation role at the UNITY Healing Circle Training in Oklahoma City, helping guide Native youth through a transformative experience centered on healing, leadership, and community connection. Working alongside UNITY staff and Executive Committee representatives, she supported youth participants as they explored ways to turn their ideas into meaningful action. “It was such a great training, getting to work with Native youth and help them visualize their ideas as ways to bring together and heal their communities was amazing,” she shared.
The training served as a dynamic community event where young leaders gathered to reflect, share, and grow. Through healing circles and guided discussions, participants created safe spaces to talk about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for their communities. Mahiya’s role in facilitating these conversations reflects her commitment to uplifting youth voices and ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.
Her civic engagement was rooted in mentorship and empowerment—helping youth not only identify issues within their communities but also develop solutions grounded in cultural values and collective healing. By supporting participants in shaping their ideas into actionable plans, Mahiya contributed to building the next generation of Indigenous changemakers.
The training also served as a meaningful educational initiative, providing youth with tools to understand the importance of emotional wellness, cultural identity, and community care. Through interactive activities and peer-to-peer learning, participants strengthened their leadership skills while connecting with others who share similar goals and experiences.
Mahiya left the experience inspired by the passion and determination of the youth she worked with. “All the youth participants were so inspiring and ready to work to create change, which is truly inspiring and makes me hopeful for the future in Indian Country,” she reflected. Her words capture the heart of the training—where healing and leadership go hand in hand.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Mahiya Ramirez who are creating spaces for healing, growth, and transformation in their communities. This year’s cohort represents Indigenous youth who are not only addressing environmental and social challenges, but also prioritizing wellness and unity as foundations for change. Through leadership, compassion, and cultural grounding, they are shaping a future where communities thrive together.
