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Empowerment in Paint: UNITY Intern Roshaun Reflects on Mural Project with the Phoenix Mercury

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By UNITY staff Native Youth News UNITY in the NEWS UNITY Staff Wellness Warriors Western Region August 9, 2025


When UNITY summer intern Roshaun Norcross (Navajo) joined acclaimed Phoenix artist Antoinette Cauley and the Phoenix Mercury for a month-long mural mentorship, she stepped into more than an art project—it became a transformative journey rooted in cultural expression, professional growth, and community connection.

“This month-long program helped me be an even bigger part of the local Phoenix art community and understand what my goals are as an artist to give back as well,” Roshaun said. “I learned how to best present myself through my artwork, I learned the business side of creating a mural, and I was able to learn all the tips and tricks of the entire painting process from Antoinette herself.”

The mural, unveiled at Phoenix Arena, quickly caught the attention of local media. In their coverage, AZ Family described it as “new artwork in downtown Phoenix [that] celebrates the Phoenix Mercury and women in sports,” noting its vibrant depictions of Mercury legends alongside young athletes from the Jr. Mercury Legacy League.

This collaborative painting process was more than just learning to mix colors and apply brushstrokes—it was a deep dive into what Cronkite News calls projects with “a positive and lasting impact on the community.” For Roshaun, that meant not only gaining technical and business skills, but also refining her public speaking by pitching her own solo mural concept to the Phoenix Mercury’s staff and a brand marketer from the Phoenix Suns.

Her concept—a Phoenix Mercury logo woven into a Navajo basket with a raised fist—carried deep cultural significance. “My Navajo culture and being a Navajo woman in general has taught me what it means to be a strong woman,” she said. “I carry myself every day with the intention of honoring where I come from and what lessons I was taught from my mother and grandmother.” She added floral elements to keep the design feminine and aligned with her personal artistic style.

Throughout the project, Roshaun found empowerment in teamwork: “Working with the other mentees was amazing… each day we were painting I could see all the skill sets and hard work effortlessly blend together.”

 

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The Phoenix Mercury echoed this sentiment in their social media coverage, praising Cauley’s mentorship program for blending “the beauty of mural creation with opportunities for young artists to learn the business and leadership skills to thrive in the industry.”

For Roshaun, the mural now standing in downtown Phoenix is more than paint on a wall. It is a public testament to the strength of women, the power of culture, and the ways mentorship can help young artists find their voice—and use it to uplift others.