This January, Laylalanai Gocobachi stepped into a season of momentum—where storytelling, leadership, and community partnerships all came together. From Tucson to Phoenix, she balanced multiple roles while continuing to uplift Indigenous voices and create opportunities for youth. “January was filled with reunion, partnerships, and development,” she shared, capturing the energy of a month driven by purpose.
Her community involvement remained strong through service and collaboration. Laylalanai volunteered with the Yoeme Youth Council, supporting their food sale fundraiser to help youth attend the upcoming UNITY National Conference. She also met with the Department of Language and Culture to plan future workshops and events, ensuring that cultural education and youth engagement continue to grow in her community.
At the UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, Laylalanai played a dynamic leadership role. She helped facilitate the Climate Action Track, served as a master of ceremonies, and hosted speed workshops—all while reconnecting with her Earth Ambassador cohort and UNITY’s Executive Committee. Her presence created space for youth to learn, connect, and be inspired. “It was a busy weekend filled with hosting speed workshops, being an MC, helping facilitate the Climate Action Track session, and working with UNITY youth from across the Nation,” she reflected.
Beyond conferences and events, Laylalanai continued advancing powerful cultural storytelling projects. After months of collaboration, the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Project released the short film “Cultivating Identity: Edible Plants of the Sonoran Desert,” featuring her voice and perspective. Through this project, she shared the Hiaki relationship to desert foods and land stewardship, amplifying Indigenous knowledge for broader audiences.
Her media work didn’t stop there. Laylalanai was also featured as a guest on the Indigenous Earth podcast, hosted by former Earth Ambassador Frank Oscar-Weaver, discussing the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in science and sustainability. These platforms allow her to connect local teachings to global conversations, expanding the reach of her advocacy.
Her civic engagement extended into organizational development as she helped support an emerging Indigenous women-led nonprofit, contributing to building bylaws, forming a board, and developing branding. At the same time, she collaborated with Youth Move and UNITY leadership to plan outreach efforts that will introduce more Hiaki youth to UNITY’s programs and opportunities.
Throughout the month, Laylalanai continued filming her Planet Forward documentary, further developing a project that highlights traditional ecological knowledge and cultural identity. Her ability to move between storytelling, planning, and leadership reflects a well-rounded approach to impact—one that centers both voice and action.
At the heart of her journey is a commitment to uplifting others. “Surround yourself with those who uplift your spirits and cheer you on… You must also uplift and cheer on your community members,” she shared. Her leadership is rooted in reciprocity, connection, and collective success.
The UNITY Earth Ambassador Program continues to uplift leaders like Laylalanai Gocobachi who are building bridges between culture, media, and community action. This year’s cohort represents Indigenous youth who are not only telling their stories but shaping systems, creating opportunities, and leading movements. Through collaboration, creativity, and cultural grounding, they are defining what leadership looks like for the next generation.