Angelina Serna, a dynamic leader born in San Diego, CA, is a member of the Oneida Nation and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Her journey is defined by a steadfast dedication to empowering Indigenous youth and shaping policy to positively impact urban Native communities.

As the newly elected Co-President of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Youth Commission, Angelina exemplifies national leadership, advocating for Indigenous youth and fostering initiatives that drive meaningful change. She also serves as the Founder and President of Chicago’s Indigenous Tribal Youth (C.I.T.Y.) Council, which was recognized as the Youth Council of the Year at the 2021 UNITY Conference in Dallas, Texas. During her tenure as the UNITY Midwest Representative from 2021 to 2023, she spearheaded outreach and development efforts, collaborating with over 100 youth councils across seven states.

Angelina's leadership extends beyond national boundaries. She has participated in prestigious programs such as the 2020 Native Jump Start Program at the University of California-Berkeley, the 2020 World Affairs Youth Seminar at Auburn University, and the 2021 Dartmouth Indigenous Fly-In Program, demonstrating her commitment to broadening her horizons and effecting change on a global scale.

Committed to her community, Angelina collaborates with the American Indian Center of Chicago, co-creating the impactful “I Support Lateral Kindness” Campaign, rooted in Indigenous traditions and humanity. She actively volunteers with initiatives like the Special Olympics, Indigenous Food Distribution, "Food Is Medicine" program, Senior Luncheons, and the Indigenous I-STEAM Summer Camp.

Angelina's dedication to preserving Indigenous culture is evident in her curation project at the Chicago Field Museum, where she is featured in the new Native American Hall. Titled “Native Truths, Our Voices, Our Stories,” her work showcases the rich tapestry of Chicago’s Indigenous youth.

Currently, Angelina is a junior at Cornell University, majoring in Anthropology with a specialization in Socio-Cultural Studies, and pursuing double minors in Native American Studies and Inequality Studies. As an active member of the American Indian and Indigenous Student Program Association and Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC), she demonstrates academic excellence and leadership.

In recognition of her scholarly and leadership qualities, Angelina was selected for the prestigious Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars Program. She also serves as a 2024-2025 Eagle Feather Fellow with the Seventh Generation Fund's Thriving Women Program, which provides unique mentorship opportunities for young Native women to build community ties, expand their knowledge and skills, and empower them as future leaders. citeturn0search22

As a Youth Specialist for Giizhik Consulting Services LLC, Angelina brings a wealth of leadership experience, academic insight, and a passion for empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders. With Angelina on our team, we are poised to make a lasting impact on Indigenous communities nationwide.