At the 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference, Native youth took powerful steps toward self-sufficiency and leadership by participating in workshops focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. These sessions aligned with UNITY’s mission to equip young leaders with the knowledge and tools to thrive economically while staying grounded in cultural values. From budgeting basics to brand building, these workshops helped youth explore career paths that prioritize sustainability, independence, and community impact.
In “Building Your Financial Future: A Guide to Financial Literacy for Native Teens,” Wesley Benally (Navajo) from REDW equipped youth with foundational skills. “Native youth learned how to take control of their finances—from understanding credit to making long-term goals for savings and investments,” Benally shared.
Trena Bizardi (Navajo) from Northern Arizona University hosted “Level Up Your Financial Game,” an engaging, hands-on session. “Students walked away with budgeting tools, credit tips, and a sense of confidence in making smart money decisions,” she explained.
Youth entrepreneur Nizhoni Deschene (Diné), a 25 Under 25 Awardee, facilitated “Building and Growing a Community-Based Brand,” guiding participants through real-world branding strategies. “They developed their own mission statements, explored social media strategies, and even drafted plans for revenue streams—all centered around community values,” Deschene said.
In “Grounded in Tradition: Indigenous Pedagogy’s Impact on Entrepreneurial Development,” Sophia Many Turning Robes (Siksika/Spokane), a 25 Under 25 Awardee, of Sister Sky Inc, helped students reimagine business success through cultural lenses. “We explored how tribal values like collective success and relationality can reshape entrepreneurship—and students left with strategies to bring those ideas into their own ventures,” she reflected.
These workshops not only taught financial skills and business development but also encouraged Native youth to lead with cultural integrity. As part of UNITY’s commitment to college and career readiness, these sessions empowered youth to dream big while staying rooted in who they are.