Gabriella Nakai, a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Navajo Nation, understands that true leadership means honoring the past, serving the present, and creating pathways for future generations. As a UNITY 25 Under 25 awardee, Gabriella spent the fall and winter seasons demonstrating servant leadership that uplifts Indigenous communities across the country—from the Bay Area to her home community in Oklahoma. Her work focuses on cultural preservation, community wellness, and creating a deep sense of belonging for Native students in academic spaces.
Honoring Indigenous Resilience on Alcatraz Island
Gabriella began her fall season by attending the annual Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island—an event that commemorates Native resistance and honors the legacy of the 1969–71 occupation of the island by Indigenous activists. This event brings together Native peoples from many nations to participate in prayer, song, and ceremony at sunrise over the San Francisco Bay.
Participating in the IPD celebration allowed Gabriella to reflect on her role as a youth leader in a broader movement of Indigenous resurgence. As she stood among fellow Native youth, elders, and allies, she was reminded of the beauty of community. “It is so powerful to see my community gather together, from youth to elders, to celebrate not just the holiday season but the accomplishments throughout the year,” she said.
Building Belonging at Stanford University
In addition to participating in cultural events, Gabriella has made it a priority to create inclusive, affirming spaces for Native students in higher education. At Stanford University, she helped design a belonging intervention program to support Indigenous students through campus orientation and peer-led discussions at the Native House. Drawing from her own experiences as a first-year student, she recognized the need for intentional spaces where Native students feel seen and valued.
“It taught me the power and importance of making people feel like they belong at a place like Stanford, especially Native students, because we have the power to change the world in incredible ways,” Gabriella shared.
By collaborating with faculty and peers, Gabriella’s initiative has not only helped Native students navigate the academic environment but has also fostered stronger cultural identity and peer mentorship. Her commitment to wellness and mental health within Native communities is part of her larger goal to support holistic well-being for Indigenous youth.
Leadership in Planning the Stanford Powwow
As a leader within the Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO), Gabriella also helped coordinate the planning of the Stanford Powwow—one of the largest student-run powwows in the nation. The event provides a vibrant intertribal space for dance, food, art, and celebration.
Gabriella’s work behind the scenes—from outreach to logistics—reflects her ability to lead with intention and cultural integrity. Her contributions ensure that Native students at Stanford have opportunities to connect with their heritage and community. Through her efforts, she empowers Native youth to take pride in their identities while building bridges between tribal communities and institutions of higher learning.
Returning Home: Cultural Service in Oklahoma
In her continued effort to remain connected to her roots, Gabriella also attended a holiday cultural celebration hosted by her tribal community in Oklahoma. These homecoming events offer time for reflection, reconnection, and the celebration of Native excellence across generations.
During her visit, Gabriella took part in community storytelling, dance, and traditional food preparation, deepening her bond with her heritage. She also spent time at the Choctaw Cultural Center, where she interviewed and built relationships with elders, including one of the last fluent language teachers in her community. This experience was both personal and powerful, reinforcing her commitment to preserving tribal languages and oral traditions.
Servant Leadership in Action
Gabriella Nakai’s servant leadership is driven by love for her people and a vision for a more inclusive future. From creating spaces of belonging at Stanford to advocating for cultural knowledge at home, she leads with humility, grace, and purpose. Her efforts affirm that Native youth are not only surviving in challenging spaces—they are reshaping those spaces.
Through cultural celebration, academic support, and intergenerational learning, Gabriella continues to uplift Indigenous youth and encourage them to walk proudly in their identities. Her journey shows that leadership is not just about visibility, but about care, courage, and connection. In every community she serves, Gabriella plants seeds of resilience and hope for generations to come.