Midwest Region

Marla Mesarina, 19
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe / Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Marla Mesarina is a proud descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. A freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Marla is deeply committed to cultural revitalization, youth leadership, and Indigenous language preservation. She served two terms on the UNITY Executive Committee as the Midwest Regional Representative, where she worked to uplift Native youth through advocacy and cultural pride. Marla was also selected for the Youth Leadership Council with the Aanikoobijigeng National Native American Language Resource Center (N-NALRC), focusing on Indigenous language reclamation and empowerment. Passionate about Indigenous food sovereignty, Marla actively shares Ojibwe teachings and her journey of traditional food gathering on social media—creating space for connection, healing, and growth. With each step, Marla continues to be a strong advocate for language, culture, and Native youth empowerment.

McKaylin Peters, 23
Menominee Nation
University of Wisconsin–Madison

McKaylin Peters is a proud citizen of the Menominee Nation from Keshena, Wisconsin. She recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Community & Nonprofit Leadership and certificates in American Indian & Indigenous Studies, Global Health, Languages, and Education. McKaylin now serves as Executive Director of the Chairman’s Office for the Menominee Tribe. Her work is rooted in community, mental health advocacy, and cultural representation. She’s served as a PEOPLE Scholar, Indigenous Student Programming Intern, COUSIN Fellow, and Earth Partnership Fellow—where she focused on incorporating the Menominee language into mental health resources. Her passion for leadership, philanthropy, and storytelling has led her to roles such as Native Youth Grantmaker with Native Americans in Philanthropy, Remembering Our Sisters Fellow, and Fresh Tracks Trainer. She also supported research aimed at increasing philanthropic support for Native communities. McKaylin’s work centers on belonging, healing, and uplifting Indigenous voices. She is honored to serve her community and remains dedicated to creating spaces of strength, resilience, and visibility for Native people.

Néepa Hyde, 14
Shinnecock Nation
Northfield Senior High School

Néepa Wotahomon Hyde is a 14-year-old member of the Shinnecock Nation currently living in Minnesota. She is a freshman at Northfield Senior High School, where she’s involved in student council and plays on the volleyball team. Néepa was recently selected as a 2025–2026 UNITY Earth Ambassador, a role that allows her to lead a community project focused on promoting food sovereignty. She brings three years of experience working with Dream of Wild Health, where she has learned about Indigenous farming practices and the importance of reclaiming traditional food systems. She has also participated in Model UN for two years, sharpening her public speaking and leadership skills. Néepa is passionate about uplifting Native youth voices and building a healthier future through Indigenous knowledge and practices.