Alina Sanchez, Miwok of Wilton Rancheria and Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, spent the month building community in every space she entered—from her high school campus to a hospital worksite, from regional Zoom circles to substance use prevention trainings. Through school spirit, gratitude, cultural reflection, and youth-centered dialogue, Alina showed how Native youth leadership can be both joyful and deeply impactful. Her leadership reminds us that servant leadership is not always one big moment—it is often built through consistent acts of care, encouragement, and showing up for others.
Alina began the month by assisting her high school Student Government team in creating demonstration video content for an upcoming Spirit Week. The team gathered early before school to record examples for each daily theme, helping inspire students to participate and feel more connected to their campus community.
For Alina, the experience was both fun and meaningful. “It was fun to demonstrate each day’s spirit theme. I dressed as Adam Sandler for a spirit day, and it was fun to have a quick break from uniform!” she shared. She also recognized the commitment of her peers, saying, “Our team truly dedicated themselves an early morning to create engagement and spirit for the upcoming Spirit Week!”
Later in the month, Alina also hosted and organized her high school’s Spring Spirit Week with support from her Student Government team. Together, they planned daily dress-up themes and lunch activities that encouraged students to participate, laugh, and build school pride. “The spirit week was important to me because it’s an interactive way for our community to bond,” Alina reflected. “It’s fun to see everyone dressed up outside of uniform and playing fun games during lunch and our rally.”
As a senior, organizing her final high school Spirit Week carried extra meaning. It became a celebration of belonging, memories, and the kind of positive school environment youth leaders help create.
Alina also demonstrated leadership through gratitude and professionalism by organizing a meeting with the CEO of her work study placement at Mercy Folsom Hospital in California. As part of a high school project, she had the opportunity to thank the hospital leadership for welcoming her into the workplace and supporting her learning experience.
“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to express my gratitude for the space I’ve worked at the past school year,” Alina shared.
This moment reflects an important part of youth leadership: learning how to build respectful relationships with community partners, institutions, and mentors. By expressing appreciation directly, Alina practiced communication, confidence, and civic engagement skills that will continue to serve her as a leader beyond high school.
As Pacific Region Representative, Alina hosted her Spring Native Youth Meetup for UNITY’s Pacific Region. The virtual gathering brought Native youth and community members together through an interactive presentation, open conversation, and reflection on issues impacting their communities.
Alina described the meetup as smooth, engaging, and meaningful. “I had a great time engaging with youth and members of our Pacific Region community,” she said. “We were able to reflect on difficult topics and issues being dealt with in our community, while also providing a safe space to communicate remedies for said issues.”
Her work reflects the heart of the National UNITY Council’s mission: giving Native youth a positive and unified voice to study common concerns, share solutions, and support one another with dignity and respect. Through this regional gathering, Alina helped create a space where youth could be heard, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone.
Alina continued her commitment to education and wellness by participating in the conclusion of her Substance Use Prevention Education Cohort in Sacramento. The cohort included months of learning, reflection, and prevention-focused training designed to help youth better understand substance abuse and how to bring awareness and resources back to their communities.
Reflecting on the cohort graduation, Alina shared, “I am very grateful for our first Cohort for the SUPE Group. We’ve been on our educational journey since October, so it’s bittersweet to see it come to an end in March.” She added, “I don’t want to say it’s the end, because I know it’s just the beginning of many good things and blessings to come. I trust that our cohort will continue to do great things!”
Alina also attended a three-day SUPE training, where participants reviewed months of learning, explored key concepts more deeply, and reflected on how to apply those lessons moving forward. “The conclusion of our SUPE Cohort was a milestone, as Native people,” Alina said. “The past months of training have been educational and inspiring to take action on bringing awareness to substance abuse. We were able to gain information and resources to carry and pass on to other youth and individuals.”
Her participation in SUPE reflects a strong commitment to prevention, wellness, and peer education. By gaining tools and resources, Alina is helping strengthen the circle of support for Native youth and families impacted by substance abuse.
Alina also attended her senior retreat in Loomis, California, where she joined her classmates for interactive activities, small-group breakout sessions, and time away from phones and technology. The retreat created space for students to connect more deeply before graduation.
“I appreciate the retreat because it was a sweet connection with my senior class,” Alina shared. “We were able to connect on a different level, technology- and distraction-free. I will forever cherish the memories made during this weekend retreat.”
This experience added another layer to Alina’s month of leadership: understanding that wellness also includes rest, reflection, and meaningful relationships. Her ability to value connection—whether with classmates, Native youth, mentors, or community partners—continues to shape her leadership journey.
Through her role as Pacific Region Representative, Alina Sanchez helps uplift the voices of Native youth within UNITY’s national network. Her leadership reflects the purpose of the National UNITY Council, which serves as a guiding body for Native youth councils and individual members across Indian Country. The NUC creates opportunities for Native youth, Alaska Native youth, and Native Hawaiian youth to address issues of concern, develop leadership skills, learn from one another, and work together through service, culture, advocacy, and community action.
As a member of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Alina plays an important role in representing her region and helping strengthen UNITY’s mission to inspire hope, build leadership, and change lives for the better. Whether she is organizing school events, hosting regional meetups, completing prevention education, or creating safe spaces for reflection, Alina continues to model what it means to lead with gratitude, purpose, and community at heart.