UNITY proudly recognizes the first five of the 2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders class. These young leaders are creating meaningful change through education, advocacy, culture, research, and service in their communities and beyond.
Aliyah Atencio (Santo Domingo Pueblo) earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico and is pursuing a career in medicine. She has contributed to initiatives such as Breathe Tradition, Not Addiction, the American Diabetes Association Health Access Emerging Leader program, and the THRIVE Advisory Council with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Through the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council, she continues to advocate for Indigenous health equity, youth empowerment, and community wellness, and has received multiple honors recognizing her leadership in Native health and student service.
Angelina Hinojosa (Pinoleville Pomo Nation) is a Native youth advocate, cultural leader, and community organizer studying Native American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. She works as a Substance Use Disorder Prevention Specialist and co-founded Native Sisters Circle, where she supports culturally grounded prevention and healing programs. She also engages in civic advocacy with the California Native Vote Project and remains active in community organizing efforts while staying grounded in cultural traditions as a traditional singer.
Anisa Pelayo (Cedar Band of Paiutes of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah) earned her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Where she was named Outstanding Graduate by the university president, becoming the first Native student to receive this honor. She co-founded Nevada’s first American Indigenous Business Leaders chapter and now works in Indigenous gaming and governance while preparing for a future in law focused on tribal governance and economic development.
Dylan Dettloff (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians) is a Columbia University student in Sustainable Development focused on water systems, climate technology, and infrastructure. He has served as a teaching assistant, student leader, and Kluge Scholar, with research centered on desalination and water treatment solutions that support long-term environmental sustainability for communities.
Ksé:hahiyé Evynn Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe) is a Native youth leader, artist, and advocate who has served in national UNITY leadership roles, including Vice President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through fellowships and her platform The Medicine Kid, she uplifts wellness, MMIP advocacy, and Indigenous storytelling through art and community engagement.
Stay tuned weekly to see the next five youth honored as a 25 Under 25!
