Meet Virginia: A DAI Arizona Young Adult Leader Spotlight
Virginia is a vibrant Akimel O’odham member of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Raised in Gu U Ki (District 3) near Sacaton, Arizona, Virginia has become a leader for Diverse Ability Incorporated and her local community. She actively seeks ways to make a meaningful impact across Arizona and beyond.
Virginia’s leadership journey with Diverse Ability Incorporated began in 2022 when she attended the GRIC-Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF). This experience was more than just a conference; it was a launching pad for her future. Virginia created a Person-Centered Plan, outlining her aspirations and setting both short-term and long-term goals to navigate her transition into adulthood confidently.
After graduating high school, Virginia continued to pursue opportunities for leadership development by attending Diverse Ability Incorporated’s Statewide Capacity Building Conference. There, she further honed her skills by completing the Arizona Youth Engagement Academy, which prepared her to serve as a Peer Leader with Diverse Ability Incorporated. Empowered by her experience, she campaigned for a position on the AZYLF Leadership Team, aiming to provide feedback on her AZYLF experience and make meaningful contributions to future conferences. After delivering a compelling speech about how she could positively impact youth disability leadership in Arizona, she was elected by her peers to the AZYLF Leadership Team.
Virginia credits her time with Diverse Ability Incorporated with enhancing her public speaking skills and preparing her for job interviews, which ultimately helped her secure a summer job as a lifeguard.
Virginia showed her passion for service and leadership when she attended her first Akimel O’odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council (AOPPYC) Summer Youth Conference. At this conference, she ran for an open position as a District 3 Representative on the AOPPYC, delivering a heartfelt and spontaneous speech to the ten-member council. Drawing on her experience as a member of the AZYLF Leadership Team, she passionately expressed her desire to join the council and outlined her potential contributions. When the District Representatives were announced, Virginia’s name was called, and she was thrilled to be selected for this position with the AOPPYC. This role has further developed her leadership skills within the Gila River Indian Community and at the national level, particularly through the AOPPYC’s involvement with the United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) organization.
Dressed in her traditional O’odham attire and wearing a shell necklace, Virginia was sworn into her position at the AOPPYC Inauguration on October 26, 2024, by GRIC Tribal Judge Darren Pedro-Martinez at Wild Horse Pass Casino.
Since being sworn in, Virginia has remained dedicated to her role as a Peer Leader with Diverse Ability Incorporated, continuously seeking ways to enhance her leadership abilities. Her dedication and perseverance as a leader were also recently recognized when she received the Jim E. Warne Tribal Youth Leadership Award. This honor celebrates American Indian youth who demonstrate leadership qualities and personal strengths that help them overcome adversity in their community.
Looking ahead, Virginia has set her sights on the Miss Gila River Pageant, scheduled for April 26, 2025. If selected, as the titleholder, she would have the opportunity to serve as a role model for young women and youth and a cultural ambassador for the Gila River Indian Community and the State of Arizona. We eagerly await the results, knowing that regardless of the outcome, Virginia will continue to be a role model and leader in all aspects of her life.