Indigenous scholars mentorship program

Serena is a grad student at Stony Brook University. She is working towards getting her master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Integrated Health. Currently she is interning at Phoenix House rehabilitation center and works at an after school program. She loves to run and play basketball. Also, she is an enrolled member of the Six Nations of the Grand River and would like to use her work to help make sure Indigenous communities do not get overlooked and have access to equal resources.

Marbella is part of the Be'ena' (Zapotec) community from the Central Valley region of Oaxaca, Mexico. She was born and raised in San Diego, California (into a community she lovingly calls OaxaCalifornia) as a descendant of immigrants of the Latin American diaspora. She graduated from California State University San Marcos with an interdisciplinary journalism degree comprised of women's gender and sexuality studies and media studies. Additionally, she minored in literature and writing studies. Currently, Marbella is a master's student in Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute's magazine and digital storytelling program at  New York University. She is determined to write and publish the stories of Indigenous communities and individuals, especially in the art and fashion industries, so that media representation improves. Additionally, she is interested in studying the impacts of the media on the Indigenous community. Specifically in Latin American fashion magazines and young girls.

Gavin Scott, a Two-Spirit person from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, is a senior studying Sustainable Development and Comparative Ethnic Studies at Columbia University. Born and raised on the Muscogee Creek Nation reservation, Gavin brings a deep connection to their Indigenous heritage into their academic work. With a passion for environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty, they are committed to advancing solutions that promote sustainability and uplift marginalized communities. Through their studies and advocacy, Gavin strives to foster resilience and equity for Indigenous peoples and the planet.

Hi, my name is Ixtle Montuffar and I am from Maryland, but my family is primarily from ra 'Batha ra Bot'ähi in lands now called Hidalgo, México. I really connect with the plants and use of traditional plant medicines from our community (Hñähñu) and am studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University as an undergrad to go towards supporting the conservation of the plants and the relationship we hold with them. I love to spend time reading, playing the violin, and enjoying nature!  I extend my gratitude to UIC for the opportunity to learn as a mentee and allow me to engage deeper with myself and expanding the community I hold relationship with.

Trini is Afro Indigenous of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey people from rural Virginia. She currently attends New York University but is based in Piscataway land (DC).

She is a multidisciplinary student of the world with her studies and work centering community-based research and translating the cultural experience of Black and Indigenous groups transfigure beyond often forsaken, soiled parameters into actual, tangible policy. She is passionate about discussions of CSA and SA among Black and Indigenous women/femmes and has aspirations of advocating for survivors of war crimes and human rights violations at an international level. She is a dedicated poet and essayist.

While much of her work would be academic, she has aspirations for cross-lingual modes of creative writing and storytelling. 

Yá’át’ééh! My name is Jaren Wyaco and I am Diné from Tségháhoodzání (Window Rock), Arizona. I am Kinłichíí’nii (Red House) born for Tł’ogí (Weaver-Zia). 

I am a recent graduate of Dickinson College in what is now known as Carlisle, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. I currently study at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in the field of epidemiology and health policy and management. 

In expanding my knowledge, I am excited to work with Urban Indigenous Collective and engage in shared knowledge in the ISMP program to advance public health efforts and research in Indigenous communities. 

Imanalla! My name is Ashley Guarquila-Cachago, I am a 19 year old Indigenous youth, part of the Kichwa Diaspora who was born and raised in Lenapehoking Territory (New Jersey). I am proudly part of two Kichwa Nations. The Kitu Kara of Pichincha Province, and the Kañari of Cañar Province, both residing in the Highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes.

My passions include protection of ancestral territory, preservation of traditional Indigenous knowledge, and implementing culturally safe environments for Indigenous peoples, especially youth. I am currently working on my Associate of Science (A.S.) in Professional Studies at Bergen Community College. Once I have completed my Associates, I wish to continue my education and pursue a bachelor's degree in either Earth and Environmental Science or Sustainability, with a possible minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. 

Yupaychani (Thank You) to the Urban Indigenous Collective for giving me the opportunity to work alongside so many strong and resilient natives working hard to make a difference, I am excited to learn all I can. 

Emma is a Master of Architecture student at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, + Preservation and completed her undergrad degree in Environmental Design Architectural Studies with a minor in Art at Texas A&M in 2020. She plans to become a licensed architect, design professor, and researcher with an emphasis on social issues, community needs, and the arts.  

Emma will design UIC's community health and wellness center with the consultation and support of our online community.

Sage A-He-Bah Addington is a 21 year old Diné (Navajo) artist. 

Sage has had two solo art shows and has worked as an educational assistant, substitute teacher, and Indigenous curriculum developer. They currently attend The Cooper Union and create work focused on cultural dissonance and personal history.

Sage will research and design a social media campaign related to MMIWGT2S to bring further awareness to the issue and call in allies to provide concrete support to our communities. 

Yá‘at’ééh (Hello)! My name is Zeriyah and I am from Window  Rock, AZ on the Navajo Reservation. I am currently a senior at Columbia studying Psychology & Native American studies with the hopes of attending law school one day. It’s such an honor to be apart of this cohort and I can’t wait to get started.  

Zeriyah will develop a template for briefs on legislation + court cases related to MMIWGT2S + Indigenous issues. She will also build an online resource center about Indigenous research methodologies.