Alli Moran (Lakota/Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe), Student at Institute of American Indian Arts
Interview by Mariana Harvey
WHAT’S POSSIBLE WITH NYLA?
NYLA helps strengthen and develop an intertribal community of support. NYLA sets a foundation of how to build across tribal nations. It’s beneficial to build this network for the type of work I want to do after law school. I want to work with many tribal nations and do policy work, NYLA connects me to other tribal leaders.
WHAT HAS NYLA SUPPORTED YOU IN?
Nyla has supported me in a lot of things; one of the very first was even before I was a fellow. I met core NYLA members and developed a strong relationship with them and from that NYLA helped me when I was running for AIHEC student congress and when I ran for presidency. NYLA helped me realize my goals and my intent for the position. After my one year term that’s when I spoke with NYLA members on whether I should continue in the AIHEC position or if I should focus on my studies and senior thesis. NYLA supported my own decision making and helping to clarify my goals. I ultimately know what I want to do but I got support from mentors who have likely had to make similar hard decisions.
NYLA is currently supporting me a lot in my next endeavor which is law school; helping me define my goals and find which law school will best fit my visions for my degree.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE NYLA FELLOWSHIP?
The relationships, if I didn’t join NYLA I wouldn’t know many people from the NYLA community. I really admire how NYLA has brought together like minded people who are really supportive of each other.
HOW IS NYLA SUPPORTING YOU IN YOUR VISIONS OR GOALS?
NYLA supports me in all those realms; health, wellness, academic & community goals. Sometimes I put myself in a position and I wonder why I am doing what I am doing, or why am I in college and I look to NYLA fellows and look at what they’re doing and I see how passionate or driven they are and then I have to remind myself why I am here or why I am doing what I am doing, it makes me feel good to get that assurance in knowing we’re all doing something for a greater good. It grounds me and helps me remember my purpose and goals.
It’s nice to see a plan actually in action, someone’s vision put down in black and white on paper and then get see it in action, see it happen. NYLA helps with resources and funding, it helps to see other NYLA fellows putting their plans into actions and helps reassure me in my plan and goals.
WHAT ARE SOME LEADERSHIP VALUES YOU LIVE BY?
I live by my Lakota values, and uphold these first and foremost, in my own personal life and especially in a leadership position, some of these core values are humility and humbleness, and I practice these values every day.