From Alaska to Hawai’i, Oregon to North Carolina, the 2026 Champions for Change represent the next generation of U.S. and Tribal leadership. Join the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) for a public panel discussion at the Aspen Institute offices in Washington, DC with these six emerging Indigenous leaders about the issues impacting young people across the country — from rural education and economic development to mental health and sovereignty.
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET*
Where: The Aspen Institute
2300 N Street, NW | 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20037
*Refreshments provided 5:00PM – 5:30PM ET
The Champions for Change (‘Champs’) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. Each year, CNAY selects five-six inspirational Native youth, ages 14-24, from across the United States to be Champions for Change. CNAY works alongside the Champs to amplify their leadership stories and strengthen their advocacy skills.
Speakers
2026 Champions for Change:
- Sebastian April (Mi’kmaq) – age 21, of Connecticut – is studying Plant Science with a minor in Cannabis Cultivation at the University of Connecticut.
- McKaylin Peters (Menominee) – age 24, of Wisconsin – is pursuing a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University and serves as the Executive Director of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin.
- Zianne Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi) – age 24, of North Carolina – is a second grade teacher at the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School, with a Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Kaylah Toves (Kanaka Maoli & Acoma Pueblo) – age 22, of Hawaii – is studying Government & American Studies with a minor in American Indian & Indigenous studies at Cornell University.
- Summer Wildbill (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation) – age 21, of Oregon – is studying International Relations at New York University.
- Moses Wiseman (Village of Chefornak) – age 24, of Alaska – is pursuing an Executive Masters of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership at Alaska Pacific University.
Moderator: Dawson Her Many Horses, 2023 Alumni, Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellowship
Welcome Remarks:
- Dan Porterfield, President & CEO, Aspen Institute
- Tracy Goodluck, Executive Director, CNAY
Not in DC? No worries! The event will be livestreamed as well. Register now (in-person & virtually) to stay in touch for more updates in the coming weeks.
