Angelina Serna, a dynamic leader born in San Diego, CA, hails from the Oneida Nation and 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 Founder and President of Chicago’s Indigenous Tribal Youth (C.I.T.Y.) Council, Angelina exemplifies leadership, earning recognition 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. Selected for prestigious programs like 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, she demonstrates a 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 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 in her sophomore year at Cornell University, Angelina majors in Government with double minors in Public Policy and Native American and Indigenous Studies. As an active member of the American Indian and Indigenous Student Program Association and NAISAC (Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell), she embodies academic excellence and leadership.

Selected for the prestigious Meining Family Cornell National Scholar Program, Angelina embodies extraordinary scholarly and leadership qualities. Her aspirations to return to her community and shape policy for the urban Native community demonstrate her unwavering commitment to effecting meaningful change.

As a Youth Specialist for our Native American Consulting Company, Angelina brings a wealth of leadership experience, academic prowess, 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.