Anselmo Valenzuela, 20
Tribe: Southern Cheyenne
Youth Council: Cheyenne and Arapaho Youth Council
Memo, a proud member of the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes, traces the beginning of his journey to UNITY 2018. At just 14 years old, he arrived unsure about advocacy, politics, or what to expect. Inspired by the film Black Panther, he joined his tribe’s Youth Council, setting the stage for a path of growing leadership and purpose.
The years that followed were marked by both personal challenge and transformation. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Memo faced his first major rock bottom. This difficult period sparked a deep self-awareness and the start of a meaningful journey of growth—one that laid the foundation for his current work and dedication.
By 2022, Memo’s focus shifted beyond himself and his own development to a broader commitment to community and advocacy. Having attended every UNITY conference except the 2023 virtual event, he began college and became increasingly engaged in global and Indigenous issues.
Between 2022 and 2024, Memo’s resume grew to include many significant accomplishments. He advocated for the history of Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida, played TAPS for his tribe, and visited the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He interned with the Santa Fe Indian Market (SWAIA), the Winter Market, and Fashion Week. Memo participated in the American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) mentorship program and conferences, and he earned an Associate in Business Administration from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) Tribal College. Most recently, he traveled to Israel-Palestine to advocate on the front lines.
Currently, Memo is collaborating with his tribe to reclaim cultural artifacts held in European museums, a continuation of the Fort Marion project. He is also working to build his own profitable business and prepare to serve as the Southern Plains Regional Representative.
Leadership was not always part of Memo’s plan, but through his study of ethical leadership, business management, and historical leaders, he has come to accept it as his inevitable path. Inspired by Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther, he draws strength from the idea of Wakanda and studies leadership strategies, including John C. Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership. The final law, the Law of Legacy, resonates deeply with Memo — emphasizing the importance of passing the torch to future generations. This understanding, coupled with the observation of unethical behavior among many current leaders, fuels his determination to help create a new generation of principled Indigenous leaders through UNITY.
Though Memo has completed many missions independently—including his advocacy work in Palestine and his artifact project—he recognizes the power of collaboration. Becoming a regional representative will provide the experience and support needed to grow as a leader.
Memo’s diverse experiences have all contributed to his leadership journey. He has done door-to-door sales in Salt Lake City, participated in marching, concert, and jazz bands for six years, performed as a background and stage actor, modeled in runway and photographic settings, and researched cognitive and personality psychology with his brother. These pursuits, while varied, have built a network of skills and opportunities that have shaped his commitment to leadership and service.
Through dedication and a wide-ranging journey, Memo continues to prepare himself to lead with strength, vision, and integrity—ready to hold the torch and inspire future generations.