Mahiya Ramirez, a proud citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Vice President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, exemplifies servant leadership through her active involvement in civic duties, cultural advocacy, and youth empowerment initiatives. Her recent endeavors highlight a commitment to uplifting Native communities and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
Fostering Civic Participation
In a significant personal milestone, Mahiya cast her first vote in a presidential election. Recognizing the importance of civic engagement, she extended this experience by assisting a coworker, a first-generation Latino-American, in exercising his right to vote. “November 5th, I not only was able to cast my first vote in a presidential election but I was also able to help one of my coworkers cast his first vote,” Mahiya shared. “Initially, my friend was not going to cast his vote due to not having a ride. However, knowing the importance of voting… I offered him a ride to the polls.” This act underscores her dedication to community involvement and empowerment.
Engaging at the White House Tribal Youth Forum
Mahiya’s leadership was further demonstrated through her participation in the Fourth Annual White House Tribal Youth Forum in Washington, D.C. The forum provided a platform for over 100 Native American youth to engage with federal officials on pressing issues such as food sovereignty, climate change, and mental health. “I began my journey to Washington, D.C. to be in attendance at the White House Tribal Youth Forum,” Mahiya recounted. “Being able to be in these spaces is a blessing within itself. Hearing different stories from different communities across Indian Country… is always inspiring.”
Advancing Healing and Cultural Preservation
Beyond national forums, Mahiya actively contributes to cultural preservation and healing within her community. She participated in a Healing Circle training with the UNITY Executive Committee, aiming to implement these practices by the Mid-Year Conference. “The overall training went really well in my opinion,” she noted. “I really loved the materials and being able to share different ice breakers!” This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering emotional well-being and cultural continuity among Native youth.