UNITY proudly recognizes another group of outstanding leaders in the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are grounded in culture, education, and service while creating impact in their communities through advocacy, leadership, and storytelling.
Meranden Numkena (Hopi Tribe & Navajo Nation) is a recent Arizona State University graduate in Parks, Recreation, and Sports Management who earned Outstanding Student honors while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She has worked with Arizona Conservation Corps and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps at Grand Canyon National Park, amplifying Indigenous voices through programming and media, including co-hosting the Grand Canyon Speaks podcast. Her work also includes a modeling debut at the 2025 SWAIA Fashion Show and recognition in Vogue. She will continue her work supporting Native youth through Arizona Conservation Corps.
Myson Galindo (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community) is a high school junior and youth leader serving as Corresponding Secretary for the Young River People’s Council. He has also served as Clerical Secretary and Treasurer, supporting youth media, communication, mural projects, and community initiatives. Myson is committed to leadership development and creating positive spaces that uplift Native youth voices.
Ohíya Walker (Cheyenne River Sioux, Red Lake Ojibwe, Mvskoke Creek) is a student leader in arts and advocacy, serving as Vice President of the Phoenix Indian Center F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council and participating in National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. Their award-winning fashion and artwork, including recognition at the 2026 Indigenous Community Fashion Showcase and the Resist & Reclaim Art Exhibition, highlight their commitment to Indigenous storytelling through design and visual arts.
Paige Nakai (Navajo Nation) is a computer scientist and graduate of Dartmouth College who now works with the American Indian College Fund supporting computer science education at Tribal Colleges and Universities. Her work centers on equitable access to technology education, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and guiding Tribal nations in navigating the impacts of artificial intelligence while protecting sovereignty and community knowledge.
Priya Simpson (White Mountain Apache Tribe) is a student at San Juan College and U.S. Army veteran who served four years and held leadership roles supporting soldier wellness and suicide prevention. She is also a former Miss White Mountain Apache Queen Veteran and continues to serve her community through leadership and advocacy focused on youth and wellness.
