Pacific Region

Michuksüs, oya set Alina Sanchez.
Hello, my name is Alina Sanchez. I am a 17-year-old proud member of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe and honored to serve as the Pacific Area Representative on the 2025–2026 National UNITY Council Executive Committee.

Entering my senior year at Cristo Rey High School, I currently hold a 3.8 GPA and serve as Student Body President. I plan to continue my academic journey at San Diego State University, where I aim to expand my leadership in both educational and cultural spaces.

Academically, I am passionate about learning through leadership. I’ve received recognition for outstanding achievement in Algebra I, English, U.S. History, American Literature, and poetry. I was named “Shadow Host of the Year” and earned a national College Board Award for academic excellence in statewide testing. My extracurricular involvement includes serving as President of Student Government, Shadow Host, and membership in several student organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Danza Azteca Culture Club, and the Baking Club. I also play on the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team, the 2024 CIF Champions.

My leadership extends into community and professional spaces. From 2022 to 2024, I worked at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California (RMHCNC) as a receptionist, offering direct support to families during critical times. In 2024–2025, I served as an office assistant at the Dignity Health Collaborative Learning Center, supporting future medical professionals and educators. These experiences have sharpened my sense of independence, compassion, and civic responsibility.

An unwavering advocate for Indigenous rights and community empowerment, I have served as Secretary of the Future Leaders Council of Wilton Rancheria, and a long-standing member of the Native Sisters Circle since 2019. I am also active in statewide and local initiatives, including:

• California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN)
• HYBRID NCNYJ Emerging Organizers
• Native American Leadership Advisory
• Native Youth of Sacramento
• Sacramento City Unified School District’s American Indian Education Program
• Sacramento Native American Health Clinic Programs

Through these roles, I’ve worked to address critical issues including domestic violence, substance abuse prevention, land acknowledgements, mental health, youth leadership development, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis, particularly through advocacy for Feather Alert systems.

My advocacy has brought me to major events across California, such as the Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Parade, Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony, Women’s Foundation of California Legislative Reception, and events at the State Capitol. In 2024, I was interviewed by ABC10 during Native American Heritage Month to speak on Indigenous visibility and representation. I’ve proudly advocated alongside Assemblymember James Ramos in support of legislation like AB 1314 (Feather Alert), AB 8, and AB 564, all focused on strengthening protections and funding for Indigenous communities and youth programs.

I am driven by social justice, cultural pride, and the power of youth voice. My mission is to uplift Indigenous heritage, create safe and inclusive spaces, and build pathways for Native youth to lead boldly. I believe that when Indigenous youth raise their voices with pride and purpose, they not only honor our ancestors but also shape the future of our nations.

My goal is simple yet powerful: to represent, to inspire, and to lead a movement of change—one youth at a time. I hope my journey encourages others to rise, speak out, and be the leaders our communities deserve.

PACIFIC REGION

Ashley Johnston, Pacific Regional Representative

aj.pacific@unityinc.org

National UNITY Council Executive Committee

nucec@unityinc.org