Mahiya Ramirez Inspires Native Youth Through Creativity and Connection
For Mahiya Ramirez, Muscogee Nation citizen and Vice President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, leadership is about more than fulfilling a role—it’s about blending creativity, culture, and connection to inspire and empower her peers. As the Southern Plains Representative, Mahiya has spent the past month balancing her education, internship, and plans to create meaningful opportunities for Native youth in her region.
A Creative Lens on Leadership
This August, Mahiya began an exciting journey, starting her semester with an intersession course on portrait and wedding photography before transitioning to full-semester classes and an internship. Her internship, which kicked off with photographing a campus concert, is more than a professional opportunity—it’s a chance for Mahiya to explore how creative expression can build bridges within her community.
“I’ve been having so much fun with my internship!” Mahiya shared. “Capturing moments through photography allows me to connect with people and tell their stories, which is something I want to carry into my leadership with UNITY.”
Planning for Connection
As part of her work with the National UNITY Council, Mahiya is brainstorming ways to engage Native youth in the Southern Plains region. One of her ideas is to host a series of social events aimed at bringing youth together to foster relationships, share ideas, and celebrate their culture.
“Hosting multiple events would give everyone the opportunity to attend at least one,” Mahiya said. “It’s about creating spaces where young people can connect, feel supported, and learn from each other.”
These social events reflect UNITY’s mission to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. By emphasizing connection and shared experiences, Mahiya’s vision aligns with UNITY’s long-standing commitment to building a unified and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.
Blending Culture and Creativity
Mahiya’s month also included attending the Oklahoma Indian Nations Powwow in El Reno, OK, an experience she treasures as both a cultural celebration and a source of inspiration.
“Powwows are such an important way to reconnect with our culture and our people,” Mahiya said. “Attending events like these reminds me why it’s so important to create spaces for Native youth to come together and celebrate who we are.”
As a photographer and leader, Mahiya sees her role as both capturing and fostering these cultural moments. Her leadership style is rooted in creativity and collaboration, encouraging Native youth to find their voices and build connections through shared experiences.
Expanding Horizons Through UNITY
Mahiya’s work highlights how UNITY empowers Native youth to explore their passions and develop leadership skills that benefit their communities. From her role in the National UNITY Council to her internship and educational pursuits, Mahiya exemplifies how Native youth leaders can balance personal growth with service to others.
Through her efforts to plan regional events, Mahiya is expanding the horizons of Native youth by offering them opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Her story demonstrates how leadership is not just about what you do—it’s about how you inspire others to take part. As she continues her work with UNITY, Mahiya is excited about the potential to bring her ideas to life and create lasting impact in the Southern Plains region. Her dedication to blending culture, creativity, and connection serves as a powerful example of what Native youth leadership can achieve.
“Being part of UNITY has shown me the importance of lifting each other up and creating opportunities for our youth to thrive,” Mahiya said. “I want to inspire others to see how their passions and talents can make a difference in their communities.”
Through her servant leadership, creative vision, and commitment to fostering community, Mahiya Ramirez is helping to build a stronger, more unified future for Native youth. Whether behind the camera or in front of her peers, Mahiya is a leader who exemplifies the heart of UNITY’s mission.