UNITY

From Sunrise to the Río Yaqui: Laylalanai Gocobachi Ignites Cultural Power Across Borders

This November, Laylalanai Gocobachi moved with purpose across communities, borders, and platforms—turning Native American Heritage Month into a powerful expression of culture, leadership, and connection. She began the month in ceremony, joining the Tribal Images Youth Council sunrise gathering, grounding herself alongside youth and families in a shared moment of reflection and renewal. From there, […]

STEM, Strategy, and Sovereignty: Jada Allen Expands Native Leadership from Research to Representation

This fall, Jada Allen stepped into national spaces where science, leadership, and Indigenous representation intersect—bringing her voice and vision to both STEM innovation and civic leadership training. At the 2025 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Minneapolis, Jada joined Native scholars and professionals from across the country as part of the […]

Southern Plains Youth Highlight: Natalie Pratt Brings Energy, Service and New Ideas to Her Community

Through school leadership, service projects and community involvement, Natalie Pratt of Oklahoma is making a positive impact across the Southern Plains Region. As an individual UNITY member, Natalie brings enthusiasm, creativity and a strong commitment to helping others through activities that support students, families and community organizations. Her involvement throughout the year reflects the many […]

Bridging Generations: Jada Allen Advances Health, Knowledge, and Youth Voice

This November, Jada Allen stepped into leadership at the intersection of culture, health, and youth advocacy. She helped facilitate the NAHM UNITY Earth Ambassadors Webinar, a space dedicated to exploring Indigenous relationships with Mother Earth and the responsibility youth carry in sustaining those connections. Bringing together voices from different generations, the webinar created a meaningful […]

Grounded in Teachings: Vydell Willie Strengthens Leadership Through Culture, Community, and Connection

This November, Vydell Willie continued to grow as a leader by showing up in spaces that blended learning, culture, and community. Through participation in the UNITY Earth Ambassador Webinar and the Western Regional Gathering, Vydell deepened their understanding of environmental stewardship while supporting fellow Native youth. “November reminded me how important it is to keep […]

Pouring Into the People: McKaylin Peters Leads with Heart, Heritage, and Community Pride

This month, McKaylin Peters showed that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. While she described October as a slower season, her impact across her community remained steady, intentional, and deeply rooted in relationship-building. She began the month celebrating a personal milestone—her 24th birthday—followed by attending the grand opening of the Wolf […]

Desert Voices Rising: Laylalanai Gocobachi Uplifts Culture, Community, and Future Generations

This October, Laylalanai Gocobachi showed what it means to lead with intention, culture, and heart—moving across spaces that celebrated Indigenous identity while building powerful connections for the future. She began the month at the Native American Heritage Night for Arizona Women’s Volleyball, where she honored Cree athlete Renee Jones with a culturally significant gift from […]

Mapping the Future: Vydell Willie Connects Education, Faith, and Stewardship at NAU

This October, Vydell Willie continued to lead in a different kind of arena—one rooted in education, service, and thoughtful innovation. As a student at Northern Arizona University majoring in Indian Country Criminal Justice, he focused on a collaborative English 105 Solution Proposal aimed at improving campus wayfinding systems. By exploring upgrades like digital kiosks, improved […]

From Swamps to the Everglades: Jada Allen Expands Her Vision of Environmental Leadership

This month, Jada Allen traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend the Southeastern Earth Ambassador Regional Gathering, joining Native youth leaders, UNITY staff, and regional representatives for a powerful experience rooted in connection, culture, and environmental learning. Surrounded by peers from across the Southeast, Jada stepped into a space where youth voices, lived experiences, and […]

Advocacy in Action: Nizhoni Deschene Builds Power, Visibility, and Community at Berkeley

This month, Nizhoni Deschene stepped into a powerful leadership role at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as the Director of Indigenous Advocacy within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC). Working alongside Senator Reg Macarro and fellow student leaders, he has been at the forefront of efforts to uplift Native voices and […]