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 dialogue grounded in shared values and lived experiences. “The webinar was an exciting event… it felt like they were speaking at the opposite ends of the same story,” Jada reflected, highlighting the powerful connection between elder knowledge and youth leadership.
Her civic engagement extended beyond the virtual space and into her own tribal community, where she began working with the Lumbee Tribe’s Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, Jada is supporting the development of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) infrastructure and contributing to the creation of a health data management system. This work is critical in ensuring that research and health initiatives within her community are conducted ethically, responsibly, and with respect for Indigenous sovereignty. Through this effort, Jada is helping lay the foundation for long-term community health and data protection.
In addition to her professional work, Jada continued her commitment to service by preparing for an upcoming youth workshop in partnership with NCNAYO, scheduled for January. This initiative reflects her dedication to equipping Native youth with knowledge, resources, and leadership skills that can strengthen their communities. By investing in future programming, she is ensuring that youth voices remain active and empowered.
Her work this month highlights the importance of balancing cultural teachings with modern systems—whether through environmental education, health infrastructure, or youth engagement. Each space she steps into reflects her commitment to building stronger, more resilient Indigenous communities.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Jada Allen who are bridging generations and disciplines to create meaningful change. This year’s cohort represents a powerful network of Indigenous youth who are advancing environmental stewardship, public health, and community leadership. Through their work, they are not only honoring the teachings of those who came before them—they are building systems that will protect and sustain their people for generations to come.