Introducing the Seventh Class of UNITY 25 under 25 Native Youth Leaders
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is proud to announce the seventh class of its 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders, a national recognition program honoring outstanding Native American and Alaska Native youth who exemplify UNITY’s mission and demonstrate a balanced commitment to their spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being.
Launched in 2014, this biennial program celebrates 25 exceptional Native youth leaders under the age of 25 who are making a positive impact in their communities across Indian Country.
Each honoree will receive a unique, handcrafted beaded medallion and participate in a seven-month leadership development experience designed to build upon their achievements and expand their impact. The 2026 class will be formally recognized at the National UNITY Conference, taking place July 10–14, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
2026 UNITY 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders
Aliyah Atencio, 23, Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM
Angelina Hinojosa, 20, Pinoleville Pomo Nation, CA
Anisa Pelayo, 22, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, NV
Dylan Dettloff, 21, Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, WI
Evynn Richardson, 23, Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, NC
Gabriel Spinks, 24, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, MN
Gianni Lacey-Howard, 24, Occaneechi-Saponi Tribe, NC
Grace Fox, 24, Seminole Nation, OK
Jalen Harvey, 20, Navajo, Pueblo of Acoma, Hopi Tribe, AZ
Keona Hosteen, 23, Navajo, NM
Kiian Huenemann, 21, Navajo, NM
Krissia Tuzroyluk, 22, Native Village of Point Hope, AK
Laylalanai Gocobachi, 20, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, AZ
Mahiya Ramirez, 23, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, OK
McKaylin Peters, 24, Menominee Indian Tribe, WI
Meranden Numkena, 24, Hopi/Navajo, AZ
Myson Galindo, 17, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ
Ohiya Walker, 17, Cheyenne River Sioux, Red Lake Ojibwe, Mvskoke Creek, AZ
Paige Nakai, 24, Navajo, NM
Priya Simpson, 22, White Mountain Apache Tribe, NM
Reg Macarro, 20, Pechanga Band of Indians, CA
Summer Wildbill, 21, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, OR
Ursula Myron-Salvata, 20, Hopi Tribe, NY
Vydell Willie, 19, Navajo, AZ
Whitney Robinson, 18, Apsáalooke (Crow), MT
Congratulations to these incredible leaders—welcome to the UNITY family!
Stay tuned to learn more about each honoree on UNITY’s website.
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