For Pacific Region Representative Alina Sanchez (Miwok – Wilton Rancheria), leadership this fall has meant stepping into diverse spaces—from the school campus to the baseball field—to uplift voices, build community, and represent her culture with pride. Whether interviewing new student leaders, advocating for social justice, or representing her tribe at a Native American Night, Alina demonstrates how servant leadership thrives in everyday actions.
At her high school, Alina hosted interviews for incoming freshmen to encourage them to join Student Government. Working alongside representatives from every grade and her executive team, she made sure new students felt welcomed and empowered to share their perspectives. “This was important because I believe in highlighting everyone’s voice. I strive to create an inclusive environment, so inviting the freshman (a new perspective) was critical,” Alina shared. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces reflects UNITY’s Top Ten Issues Facing Native Youth, particularly youth voice, education, and leadership development.
Just days later, Alina stepped onto the Sacramento River Cats’ baseball field at Sutter Health Park alongside her tribe’s Vice-Chairwoman, Raquel Williams, for Native American Night. She described the experience as “super exciting” and a powerful moment of representation. “I believe it’s so important to highlight the active Native American cultures, especially those of whom land we’re on,” Alina said, reflecting on the honor of witnessing Williams throw the first pitch and meeting the team. This visibility reinforces the importance of cultural pride and advocacy—another key UNITY priority.
Back on campus, Alina also helped launch and table the brand-new Social Justice Club during her school’s Club Days. The experience highlighted her passion for advocacy and inclusivity. “I recognized the significance of advocacy on my campus. I realized the amount of people interested in pursuing this significant topic. Many students joined the club, and have since been active participants. I think it’s so important that we come together and unify to bring education forth on topics that aren’t known,” she explained. By encouraging her peers to get involved in social justice education, Alina is fostering dialogue and empowering others to take on leadership roles in their own right.
Together, these experiences illustrate the many ways Native youth leaders are making a difference on multiple levels—school, tribal, and community. The National UNITY Council, made up of more than 300 youth councils nationwide, relies on representatives like Alina to embody its mission of amplifying Native youth voices and addressing shared challenges through service and leadership. Her work aligns directly with UNITY’s focus on civic engagement, cultural pride, and youth empowerment.
Alina’s story is a reminder that leadership can take many forms—welcoming a freshman to student government, representing Native identity on a baseball field, or organizing peers around advocacy issues. Each role matters, and together, they create ripple effects that strengthen communities. For youth in the Pacific Region, Alina’s work is both an example and an invitation to get involved, to speak up, and to recognize that their voices carry power.