This December, Laylalanai Gocobachi embraced a season of both reflection and action—balancing academic demands, cultural connection, and community leadership. After completing her semester at the University of Arizona, she traveled to attend the Earth Ambassador Pacific Region Gathering in Hawaiʻi, where Indigenous youth leaders came together to deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship. Through activities like Mālama ʻĀina (caring for the land), storytelling sessions, and project planning, Laylalanai engaged in powerful cultural exchange and relationship-building. “I truly cherish the conversations, cultural sharing, memories, and friendships formed from this gathering,” she shared, reflecting on the meaningful connections made with fellow youth leaders.
The gathering offered immersive educational experiences rooted in land and culture—from visiting Laupāhoehoe Beach Park to leaving a prayer at Kīlauea. These moments reinforced the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental responsibility. Through shared stories and teachings with groups like the Papahana Aloha ʻĀina Hawaiʻi Youth Council, Laylalanai strengthened her understanding of how culture and environmental advocacy go hand in hand.
Returning home to Arizona, Laylalanai immediately stepped back into community leadership. She served as mistress of ceremony for the Annual Christmas Light Parade in New Pascua, alongside UNITY Western Region Representative Amaya Escalante. The event brought together families, youth leaders, and community members in a celebration filled with joy and cultural pride. Her role in guiding the event reflected her confidence as a speaker and her ability to uplift community spirit.
Her service continued the very next day as she volunteered with Yaqui Comité De La Fe at their Annual Children’s Christmas Party, an event she has supported since childhood. Helping provide gifts and joy to families in Barrio Libre and South Tucson, Laylalanai carried forward a tradition of giving back. “I am thankful for another year of being Santa’s helper,” she shared, highlighting the importance of service rooted in love and community care.
In addition to her community work, Laylalanai expanded her impact through educational and media initiatives. She was selected by the University of Arizona’s Enrollment Marketing team to be featured in the “My Arizona” series, where she is sharing her story to inspire other Indigenous students to pursue higher education. By highlighting her involvement in research, leadership, and cultural work, she is helping create pathways for future generations.
Looking ahead, Laylalanai is also stepping into a new leadership role as she begins the process of becoming a board member for “Indigigirls,” an Indigenous women-led nonprofit focused on empowerment through culture and connection. This opportunity reflects her continued commitment to uplifting Indigenous women and youth through intentional leadership and community-driven initiatives.
Amid all of these accomplishments, Laylalanai also embraced the importance of rest and balance. “I learned the value of taking time for yourself… spending my time like this helped me be better so that the next projects I complete will be done with my full energy and good intentions,” she shared. Her reflection reminds us that sustainable leadership includes caring for oneself as much as serving others.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Laylalanai Gocobachi who are creating impact across communities, cultures, and generations. This year’s cohort represents Indigenous youth who are not only leading initiatives but also learning to balance, reflect, and grow. Through cultural connection, service, and vision, they are shaping a future grounded in purpose, resilience, and collective strength.