This past weekend, the NB3 Foundation Youth Council came together at Explora in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to welcome six new members for the 2026-2027 council term. Since launching in 2023, the council has continued to grow in both membership and impact, creating new opportunities for the foundation to connect with Native youth and communities across New Mexico.
The new members include:
- Alyssa Morris, Pueblo of Santa Ana, rising high school sophomore and former NB3FIT participant
- Kiera McCabe, Diné, recent college graduate, new business owner of Skoden Farms and recipient of the 2026 Growing the Future Award presented by the State of New Mexico. The award recognizes outstanding new and young farmers and ranchers dedicated to strengthening local food systems and agricultural resilience across the state.
- Kodin Hoffman, Diné, college freshman and brother to fellow Youth Council member Kanaan Hoffman
- Lauren Vallo, Pueblo of Acoma, rising high school senior, National Honor Society member and student-athlete
- Natalie Cheama, Pueblo of Zuni, rising high school sophomore and student-athlete
- Tiyon Padilla, Pueblo of San Felipe, rising high school senior who brings student council experience and prior involvement with the Katishtya Youth Council
The new members bring fresh perspectives, experiences and ideas to an already diverse group of Native youth leaders representing communities across New Mexico.
“It’s a pleasure to back our Native youth as they drive youth council development and lead service projects based on their identified areas of need. Their ideas and collective action are vital to building the healthy futures they desire for Native youth in New Mexico,” Community Empowerment Coordinator, Jared Lesansee said.
Traditionally, the organization has engaged communities through youth sports programming and grantmaking efforts. Through the youth council, members have expanded that reach by leading and supporting community initiatives including cleanups, clothing and toy drives, and outreach efforts supporting unhoused relatives and families in need.
As the council continues to grow, members are looking ahead to expanding their community impact during the 2026-2027 term through youth-led service projects, leadership development and initiatives that promote positive, healthy change in their communities.
The 2026-2027 council year also marks an important transition as several members graduate and move into new opportunities. Youth council members Ashima Burns, Abby Mariano and Corey Bird recently graduated from high school and will pursue higher education opportunities this fall. Their accomplishments reflect one of the council’s key goals: empowering Native youth to grow as leaders while encouraging them to pursue their personal, educational and professional goals. Burns and Mariano will continue serving on the council, while Bird will transition out as he focuses on the next chapter.
Building on last year’s work the youth council plans and implement service projects identified by members who attended the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference, including a community fun run, producing a public service announcement to be debuted at a youth summit, and providing cultural identity development opportunities for other Native youth. In addition, new officer positions will be created to support the planning of workshops designed to increase the capacity of our youth to facilitate, speak in public and reimagine parliamentary procedures based on an Indigenous worldview.
