Kaylee Evans Leads with Purpose Across the Southeast
Leadership steeped in cultural pride and resilience drives Kaylee Evans as Southeastern Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. This October, the Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee youth leaders united Native youth and celebrated Indigenous heritage through impactful events and initiatives that honored tradition and inspired connection.
“October is significant because it is Native American Heritage Month Eve!” Kaylee shared. “The activities I participated in this month gave me valuable insight into the importance of inter-committee work in organizations like UNITY.”
Amplifying Voices Through Civic Engagement
One of Kaylee’s first actions in October was submitting a video for UNITY’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Campaign. By encouraging Native youth to vote, Kaylee is helping amplify their voices in decisions that affect their communities.
“Civic engagement is essential to building a unified future for Native youth,” Kaylee said. “By voting, we’re making sure our voices are heard, and our communities are represented.”
Her work with the GOTV Campaign reflects UNITY’s mission to promote citizenship and leadership among Native youth, empowering them to shape their futures actively.
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
On Indigenous Peoples Day, Kaylee dressed in her regalia and filmed an informational video to share on social media, educating others about the day’s significance. Her efforts highlight the importance of cultural pride and awareness in creating stronger connections within and beyond Native communities.
“Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate who we are and share our stories with the world,” Kaylee explained. “By sharing our traditions, we preserve them for future generations.”
Building Connections Across Regions
Kaylee’s leadership extends far beyond her region. On October 17th, she attended the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain Regional Meetup, demonstrating UNITY’s commitment to fostering connections among Native youth nationwide.
“Working with youth from other regions helps us learn from each other and find solutions to shared challenges,” Kaylee said. “UNITY gives us a platform to create meaningful change together.”
Kaylee also co-hosted an Eastern Regional Meetup earlier in the month, bringing Native youth together to discuss initiatives and build community.
Promoting Cultural Preservation
Kaylee’s involvement in the Waccamaw Siouan Powwow in Bolton, NC, showcased the importance of cultural preservation through events that bring communities together. She also participated in a photo shoot for the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization (NCNAYO) to address cultural appropriation during Halloween, an issue that often impacts Indigenous communities.
“Educating others about cultural appropriation is an important step in ensuring our traditions are respected,” Kaylee shared. “It’s about protecting what makes us who we are while encouraging others to learn and grow.”
Supporting Grassroots Mobilization
Through her work with NCNAYO, Kaylee helped plan its second meeting of the year, focusing on themes, locations, and workshops for an upcoming conference. The meeting also included plans for a college application informational session to support Native youth in their educational journeys.
“Grassroots efforts like NCNAYO are vital to empowering Native youth,” Kaylee said. “When we come together to share knowledge and resources, we’re creating a stronger, more unified community.”
Leading with Purpose
Kaylee’s dedication to promoting social, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness reflects UNITY’s core mission to foster the development of Native youth. Her ability to balance cultural preservation, civic engagement, and leadership development demonstrates how Native youth can make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
“Every opportunity to connect, serve, and lead is a chance to strengthen our communities,” Kaylee said. “I’m grateful to UNITY for giving us the tools and support to make a difference.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through her servant leadership, Kaylee Evans inspires Native youth across the Southeast to embrace their heritage, uplift their communities, and work together to build a unified future. Her work this month is a testament to the power of connection, collaboration, and cultural pride in creating meaningful change.
Kaylee’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t just about taking action—it’s about inspiring others to join you on the journey toward a stronger, more unified Native America.