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Urban Indigenous Collective
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    • About Us
      • Acknowledgment
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Leadership
      • Staff
    • Donate
    • Community Center
      • Community Center
      • Schedule a Visit
      • Space Sharing Request
    • MMIWGT2S NYC+
      • Overview
      • Learn About MMIWGT2S
      • For Indigenous Community
      • Access FOIA Resources
      • Web of Living Relations
    • Programs
      • Mentorship
      • Beading Circle
      • Movie Nights
      • Book Club
    • Research
      • Our Ethos
      • Community Health Forum
      • Published Research
    • Training + Assistance
    • Events
    • Blog\Media
    • Connect
    • External Resources
      • Urban Native Data
      • No Cost Prescriptions
      • IHS Locator
      • Rising Hearts Wellness

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Acknowledgment
    • Board of Directors
    • Advisory Board
    • Leadership
    • Staff
  • Donate
  • Community Center
    • Community Center
    • Schedule a Visit
    • Space Sharing Request
  • MMIWGT2S NYC+
    • Overview
    • Learn About MMIWGT2S
    • For Indigenous Community
    • Access FOIA Resources
    • Web of Living Relations
  • Programs
    • Mentorship
    • Beading Circle
    • Movie Nights
    • Book Club
  • Research
    • Our Ethos
    • Community Health Forum
    • Published Research
  • Training + Assistance
  • Events
  • Blog\Media
  • Connect
  • External Resources
    • Urban Native Data
    • No Cost Prescriptions
    • IHS Locator
    • Rising Hearts Wellness

Indigenous scholars mentorship program


A Paid 12-Week Internship Experience

Fall 2024

ISMP Applications are now open!

A 12-week hybrid program offering a space for Indigenous students to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness on college campuses. We seek to work against barriers in higher education by increasing Indigenous visibility and providing culturally relevant programming to our community.

Click here to apply

What is ismp?

ISMP is an opportunity for participants to develop and refine non-profit oriented professional skills, supported by culturally relevant resources as well as other Indigenous staff and peers.

We are currently hosting our first cohort, and are excited to welcome more students in the future.

What does this program offer?

ISMP is a compensated program that provides professional and material support (see details below), anchored in one-on-one and group weekly mentoring, guided by an Individualized Development Plan.

We do not expect prior expertise in applicants.

We are looking for those who may not have had other formal opportunities to build the skills offered in this program; this is a chance to work with UIC mentors to develop projects with room for self-direction and agency, and a time to develop and refine skills (see opportunities below for specifics).

These nonprofit-relevant skills are powerful tools for rebuilding Indigenous homelands, as well as revitalizing cultural spaces; this is for you, and for community. We are very excited to welcome our first cohort. 

Who is it for?

It is designed for self-identifying Indigenous women and people of additional genders affected by misogyny, ages 18-24, who are enrolled in post-secondary education in the greater Lenapehoking (so-called tri-state: New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut) area.

How long is it?

The 12-week virtual program for a five-person cohort offers a space for Indigenous students to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness on college campuses—we seek to work against barriers in higher education by increasing Indigenous visibility and providing culturally relevant programming to our community.

MEET OUR COHORT


Fall 2024

Serena Harris | Onondaga Clear Sky (Six Nations)

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

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 Na

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 Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

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 interdis

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 | Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribe

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

Gavin Scott | Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribe

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 environ

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.

Ixtle Montuffar | Hñähñu

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola | Be'ena' Za'a (Zapotec)

Gavin Scott | Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribe

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 

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.

PREVIOUS COHORTS


Fall 2021,Fall 2023

Fall 2023

Trini Simms | Mattaponi, Pamunkey, Shinnecock

Ashley Guarquila-Cachago | Kichwa Kañari and Kitu Kara

Trini Simms | Mattaponi, Pamunkey, Shinnecock

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 gr

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. 

Jaren Wyaco | Diné (Navajo)

Ashley Guarquila-Cachago | Kichwa Kañari and Kitu Kara

Trini Simms | Mattaponi, Pamunkey, Shinnecock

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 S

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. 

Ashley Guarquila-Cachago | Kichwa Kañari and Kitu Kara

Ashley Guarquila-Cachago | Kichwa Kañari and Kitu Kara

Ashley Guarquila-Cachago | Kichwa Kañari and Kitu Kara

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 And

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. 

Fall 2021

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Arachelle Harrison (she/her) is a Comanche Nation citizen with Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, and white ancestry. She is currently in her last year of her undergraduate mechanical engineering degree at Columbia University.


Arachelle will design a community garden that UIC hopes to launch within the next year. She will also support UIC's growth in collaboration with our Grants Manager.

Emma Sumrow | Chickasaw

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

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 is

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 Addington | Diné (Navajo)

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Sage Addington | Diné (Navajo)

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 socia

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. 

Zeriyah James | Diné (Navajo)

Arachelle Harrison | Comanche, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee

Sage Addington | Diné (Navajo)

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 

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. 

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