This week, UNITY’s very own Executive Director, Mary Kim Titla (San Carlos Apache), has been spotted halfway around the world—in Auckland, New Zealand! Partnering with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), Mary Kim is carrying UNITY’s mission across oceans, showing that inspiring hope for Indigenous youth is a truly global movement.
And she isn’t traveling alone. UNITY’s 25 Under 25 Awardee, Talon Watchman (Navajo), is joining her (as part of the NCAIED delegation) on this international journey, representing the powerful voices of Native youth leaders on the global stage.
Indigenous Youth Leading the Way
While in New Zealand, Mary Kim and Talon attended a powerful conference session led entirely by Indigenous youth, just like UNITY! From the moment they walked in, it was clear—whether in the U.S. or Aotearoa, young Indigenous leaders are stepping up, speaking out, and shaping the future of their communities. Just like UNITY’s National UNITY Council, these young people, from a Māori Pasifika Trades Training Program, emphasized the importance of cultural identity, community service, and leadership. The connections made in that room highlighted something UNITY has always believed: our mission has no boundaries.
Mary Kim and Talon were welcomed at the Waipapa Marae for a pōwhiri ceremony before participating in a wānanga (roundtable) hosted by the University of Auckland. The theme—building meaningful global Indigenous connections and partnerships, with a focus on tribal leadership—echoed UNITY’s vision for empowering Native youth leaders everywhere.
That evening, the delegation joined the Tūhono Business Mixer at the University of Auckland, where Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs connected with international Indigenous leaders. The gathering highlighted opportunities to strengthen long-term relationships and share strategies for collective prosperity.
Celebrating Māori and Pasifika Leadership
On August 26, the journey continued at the Amotai Navigate Summit & Awards Gala Dinner at the Grand Millennium Hotel. Attendees included industry leaders, government agencies, professional associations, and Māori and Pasifika suppliers. Together, they honored the finalists. It was a celebration of Indigenous excellence and innovation that resonated with UNITY’s own values of leadership and community service.
Global Values, Shared Voices
From San Carlos to San Diego, from Navajo Nation to New Zealand, the heartbeat of UNITY’s work is clear—inspiring hope for Indigenous youth is a global value. When youth lead, communities thrive. When stories are shared, bridges are built. And when Indigenous voices come together, the impact ripples across the world.
Catching Up with Mary Kim
The U.S. delegation is now in Hamilton for the next leg of the journey. Highlights include a tribal assets tour with Tainui Group Holdings and a visit to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. From there, more opportunities await to connect, learn, and build bridges with Indigenous communities across Aotearoa.
So, where in the world is Mary Kim Titla? Today, she’s on the ground in New Zealand—standing side by side with Indigenous leaders, youth, and partners—proving that UNITY’s mission to uplift Native youth truly has no boundaries.