Southwest Region

UNITY Regional Profile

The Southwest Region consists of geographical areas and the states of New Mexico and Colorado. The Southwest region has 20 affiliated youth councils in 2 states within the UNITY Network.

Meet your Representative

Jesse James Crowe III is a proud member of the Pueblo of Tesuque and a dedicated young leader committed to serving and protecting his community. At 18 years old, Jesse recently graduated high school and is beginning the next chapter of his journey by pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice.

From a young age, Jesse has felt a strong calling to help others and make a positive difference in the lives of those around him. Witnessing challenges faced by community members, including homelessness and hardship, inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement. His goal is to become a police officer who leads with compassion, respect, and a commitment to protecting the well-being of others.

Jesse credits the important figures in his life for shaping the person and leader he is today. His father instilled in him the values of responsibility, strong character, and a strong work ethic, while his sister has helped him understand the importance of mental health, compassion, and supporting others. Their guidance continues to motivate Jesse as he works toward his goals and prepares to serve his community.

Through his future career, Jesse hopes to give back by creating a safer and more supportive environment for all people. He believes in the value of every life and is committed to serving not only his own community, but anyone in need of support and protection.

Grounded in family values, service, and a desire to uplift others, Jesse continues to pursue his path toward becoming a leader who protects with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

National UNITY Council Contact Information

SOUTHWEST REGION

Jesse Crowe III, Southwest Regional Representative

southwest@unityinc.org

National UNITY Council Executive Committee

nucec@unityinc.org

UNITY Youth Councils in the Southwest Region

The National UNITY Network consists of 309 affiliated youth councils in 35 states. The Southwest region has 20 affiliated youth councils in 2 states within the UNITY Network.

Central Consolidated School District, New Mexico
Cochiti Youth Group, New Mexico
Denver UNITY Youth Council, Colorado
Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos Youth Group, New Mexico
Jemez Youth Group, New Mexico
Kewa Teens Reaching Unity Through Harmony, New Mexico
League of Nations of Aztec HS, New Mexico
Navajo Prep Naat’aanii Youth Council, New Mexico
NB3 Foundation Youth Council, New Mexico
NM Indigenous Youth Council, New Mexico
Pueblo of Pojoaque Youth Council, New Mexico
Pueblo of San Felipe – Education Dept, New Mexico
Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico
San Ildefonso Pueblo Youth Council, New Mexico
Santa Ana Pueblo Youth Council, New Mexico
Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition, New Mexico
Tewa Seeds Youth Council, New Mexico
Wakanyeja Wakan Youth Council, Colorado
Zia Pueblo Youth Group, New Mexico
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico

Meet your 25 Under 25

Aliyah Atencio, 23, Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico

Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of New Mexico

Aliyah Atencio is a leader from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico, committed to advancing health equity and supporting youth in Indigenous communities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and is pursuing a career in medicine. Her work centers on youth mentorship, health advocacy, and culturally grounded approaches to community wellness. She has contributed to community health initiatives through programs such as Breathe Tradition, Not Addiction and her involvement with the American Diabetes Association as a Health Access Emerging Leader. Aliyah serves on the THRIVE Advisory Council with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and ABCD & Company, helping shape the Every Child Thrives Festival. She is also a member of the Kewa T.R.U.T.H. Youth Council, where she advocates for her community and uplifts youth voices. She is a recipient of the UNITY 25 Under 25 Award, the Native Health Initiative Loving Service Award, and the UNM Outstanding American Indian Student Service Award. Aliyah is passionate about empowering Native youth and aspires to become a physician dedicated to serving and advocating for her community.

Kiian Huenemann, 21, Navajo Nation, New Mexico

Cellular, Molecular, and Organismal Biology (Pre-Med), Stanford University

Kiian Huenemann is a third-year student at Stanford University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Molecular, and Organismal Biology on the pre-medicine track. He is both an Indian Health Service Scholar and a Chief Manuelito Scholar. At Stanford, Kiian serves as co-president of Natives in Medicine, works as a research assistant at the School of Medicine, and is a program coordinator for the Indigenous Health Career Collaborative. His passion for medicine is rooted in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities and increasing Indigenous representation in the medical field. Following graduation, Kiian plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.

Paige Nakai, 24, Navajo Nation, New Mexico

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Dartmouth College

Paige Nakai graduated from Dartmouth College in 2024 with a degree in Computer Science. She currently serves as a Computer Science Specialist at the American Indian College Fund, where she works on an initiative to develop and expand computer science programs at Tribal Colleges and Universities. Her work centers on building programs that are rooted in place, aligned with community values, and responsive to evolving workforce needs. Prior to joining the College Fund, Paige worked in full-stack development and contributed to work focused on Indigenous Data Sovereignty. She has also supported efforts to educate and empower Tribal governments in developing policies that address the harms, risks, and biases of AI, helping to protect Tribal sovereignty and the rights of their citizens. Her passion for computer science is driven by a commitment to expanding equitable access to CS education for Native students.