Kaylee Evans, a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi and Lumbee Tribes, embodies the transformative power of UNITY’s youth leadership programs. As the newly elected Southeastern Representative for the National UNITY Council, Kaylee has taken full advantage of opportunities to grow as a leader while inspiring other Native youth to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.
From the vibrant energy of the 2024 National UNITY Conference in Portland, Oregon, to the focused mentorship of the College Horizons program at Notre Dame University, Kaylee’s journey showcases how UNITY fosters personal development, citizenship, and leadership among Native youth.
“A Place of Power”
Kaylee describes the National UNITY Conference as an unparalleled experience: “The National UNITY Conference is a place of power. Seeing a multitude of indigenous youth in one space creates a sense of joy and excitement that I cannot find anywhere else!”
At the conference, Kaylee connected with youth in the Southeast Caucus to discuss ways to create positive change in their communities. Ideas ranged from hosting informational sessions on the risks of alcohol and drug abuse to introducing cultural groups in schools that strengthen tribal identity. “These conversations are just the beginning,” Kaylee said. “It’s about finding ways to support each other and our tribes in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Kaylee also made valuable connections with representatives from other tribes, exemplifying UNITY’s mission to foster a strong and unified Native America through greater youth involvement.
College and Career Readiness
Beyond the conference, Kaylee took her leadership development to the next level by attending the prestigious College Horizons program. This week-long workshop connects Native high school students and college undergraduates with admissions officers from top universities.
“Attending the College Horizons program was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Kaylee shared. “I made so many amazing friends from all across our great country, many of whom were from communities similar to mine. I received help from top college admissions officers on my college applications, and with this, I learned how to incorporate my Indigenous identity into my personal essays.”
Kaylee’s experience reflects UNITY’s longstanding commitment to college and career readiness. This priority was instilled by UNITY’s founder, J.R. Cook, who spent years working with the Upward Bound program in Oklahoma. His vision to integrate education and career exploration into youth leadership development remains a cornerstone of UNITY’s programming.
A National Impact
Kaylee’s influence extends beyond her own academic journey. During her time at College Horizons, she introduced UNITY to her peers, even connecting a youth from Montana to their Northwestern Representative with hopes of encouraging their participation in UNITY events. This mentorship is a powerful example of how UNITY leaders inspire and empower their peers.
“UNITY isn’t just an organization; it’s a movement,” Kaylee said. “We’re here to support one another, to create opportunities, and to ensure that every Native youth has the tools they need to succeed.”
A Legacy of Leadership
For nearly 50 years, UNITY has been dedicated to fostering the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. Kaylee’s story is a testament to the organization’s enduring mission and the success of its programs in shaping the next generation of leaders.
As Kaylee continues to inspire youth in her region and beyond, she sets a powerful example of what it means to be a UNITY leader. Her commitment to education, cultural preservation, and community engagement reflects UNITY’s vision of a strong, self-reliant Native America built through youth empowerment.
“Being part of UNITY and programs like College Horizons has shown me that our stories, our cultures, and our voices are our greatest strengths,” Kaylee said. “Together, we can create a future that honors where we come from while reaching for all that we can achieve.”
Through her dedication to leadership and mentorship, Kaylee Evans is making a national impact on Indigenous scholars, proving that the possibilities for Native youth are as vast and boundless as their dreams.