Cadence Barreda | Anderson Family | she/her
Savannah College of Art and Design | Film and Writing
What makes a good leader?
A good leader is someone who is able to sort through a group’s ideas and use those to create a solution that will benefit the group!
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I hope to have a wholistic understanding of our tribe and culture. As a writer, I hope to add more accurate Native American representation to the world!
What is your hidden talent?
I am a big film junkie and watched over 200 movies last year.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
I like to think I’m tiramisu. I’m lady-like but with a little kick.
Blaze Corbin | Anderson Family | she/her
Fort Lewis College | Criminal Justice
What makes a good leader?
I think a good leader is someone who has patience and can take criticism well.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
My goals are to learn more about the Tribal government and to build better connections with people from the Tribe.
What is your hidden talent?
I was a college cheerleader.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
I am tiramisu because I am bold with many layers.
Milly Crump | Toupin Family
University of Southern Maine | Cybersecurity
What makes a good leader?
A good leader is someone who is willing to listen to the group and accept the consequences of their actions if things go wrong. A good leader will make ethical decisions in stressful situations.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I hope to find my spirituality and break out of my comfort zone in PLP. The projects that I’ll work on will also help me develop good habits for college.
What is your hidden talent?
I can dislocate my joints super easily, play techno gigs at clubs up in Maine. Ask me about the rune on my ankle.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
Frozen blueberries. I’m always the last to bed, and it makes a perfect late-night snack.
Evie Gaytan | Lewis Family | she/her
Purdue North West | Business Management
What makes a good leader?
A good leader to me is someone who will help assist and be flexible with others.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I would like to connect with my roots and family that I may have never known about and get to know the wonderful people I am living with.
What is your hidden talent?
I can open anything people give me.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
Pumpkin pie since I am likeable and very sweet (this is what people have told me).
Juliann Healey | Vieux Family | she/her
University of Guelph | Biology, Anthropology, One Health
What makes a good leader?
A leader is not just a person who takes control, and who needs to be the center of attention. A leader is someone who is willing to take a supporting role, to uplift those around them and to be an example for others.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
My goals through participating in this program is to immerse myself fully in CPN culture and to embrace a culture that I never grew up with. I also hope to make life-long connections with my peers and the Tribe, to reinforce relationships that will be invaluable in the future.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talents would be that I love to bake and decorate cakes.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
German chocolate cake
Kaya Kirk | Pappan Family | she/her
Fresno City College | Studio Arts and American Indian Studies
What makes a good leader?
I always prioritize everyone’s voice. It is very important to me that everyone is heard and that everyone’s opinion is taken into consideration. I believe I am good leader because I listen to the people around me and make decisions that benefit the collective.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I want to learn as much as I can! I have limited knowledge on our history, art, and culture, and I look forward to learning new things about Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
What is your hidden talent?
I love to draw, and I can draw anyone in a couple minutes! It’s one of my favorite things to do to pass the time or make a little money on the side. It’s a lot of fun and people enjoy my drawings as much I as enjoy drawing them.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
There is a local ice cream shop here in Fresno called Ampersand, where they make their ice cream fresh every day with ingredients local to the Central Valley. One of their most popular flavors is Honeycomb, a sweet honey ice cream with honey brittle and honey swirl mixed in. It’s my favorite flavor and I’d like to think it represents me the best; sweet, refreshing and loved. I’d recommend anyone traveling to Fresno try this shop!
Kathryn Lehman | Bruno Family | she/her
University of California Irvine | Psychology
What makes a good leader?
I believe a good leader is someone who communicates their intentions and ideas clearly and efficiently, enabling the people they serve to work together toward shared goals. They actively promote community growth, engage with those they represent, and bring out the best in every individual. A strong leader is fair, empathetic, and compassionate, guided by both vision and direction. They take accountability, foster collaboration, and empower others through teamwork. Most importantly, a good leader nurtures a community where the future is inclusive, sustainable, and shaped by collective voices. They lead not only with purpose, but also with the humility to listen and the courage to adapt — ensuring progress that is meaningful and shared by all.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
Through my participation in PLP, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of tribal government and my role within the community. Living far from the heart of our nation, I’ve had limited opportunities to engage with our culture or stay connected to the ongoing work within the Tribe. This program is helping me rediscover what it means to be Potawatomi — from the spiritual traditions of Midewiwin to the spoken language of Bodwéwadmimwen, to the handcrafted regalia that embodies generations of artistry and meaning. These aren’t just cultural symbols — they are living, breathing expressions of identity, resilience and shared values. PLP is not only deepening my cultural connection but also inspiring me to contribute to our collective future with knowledge, pride and purpose.
What is your hidden talent?
One of my not-so-hidden talents is dancing — a passion I’ve developed through years of training and performance. In high school, I had the exciting opportunity to join our brand-new dance team, choreographed by an alum who is currently performing as a backup dancer for the pop artist Kehlani. With her expert choreography and our team’s hard work, we took first place at both regional competitions we entered. These experiences didn’t just refine my technical skills — they also taught me the value of creativity, discipline and expressing myself confidently through movement. Dance became a powerful outlet for connection and storytelling. As I look ahead to college, I hope to join a new dance team where I can continue growing as a performer, explore new styles and build lasting bonds with others who share the same passion. I’m excited to carry forward the confidence, joy, and sense of community that dance has given me.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
I’d say I’m a strawberry cupcake — sweet, approachable and always ready to brighten the room. I can be a social butterfly, and I’m loved by my friends for the energy I bring. Sure, I may not be everyone’s flavor, but that’s perfectly fine. I’m not meant for everyone. For those who get me, I’m a treat worth savoring.
Robin Loux | Peltier Family | she/they
University of Oklahoma | Environmental Sustainability and Spanish
What makes a good leader?
Someone who commands space in a room and makes their presence known. A leader is also an advocate for their group and must represent such. Leaders should also be ambitious, but caring for those they lead.
What goals do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I hope to become excited about leadership opportunities and pick up on further tips and tricks for leading. Culturally, I am very excited to connect with my family’s Indigenous heritage and learn more about the impact that Tribal Nations can make on the world.
What is your hidden talent?
My ambition — this makes me an academic weapon because it fuels everything I do and keeps me going even when I am exhausted or don’t see the point in something. In the end, when my ambition is applied correctly, it can take me farther than I thought I could go.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
Apricot! An unconventional fruit, but super versatile in the food world and still sweet at its core.
Carliegh Scaaf | she/her
University of Central Arkansas | Biology
What makes a good leader?
A good leader is someone who can take a step back and acknowledge their mistakes and shortcomings while also using these human qualities to see how they can come together with the people under their leadership, to achieve their goals for the better of the people.
What goal do you hope to accomplish through PLP?
I hope that with my time in PLP I can become more immersed in the culture and be more aware of what really happens within the Tribe. I’m very excited to learn about traditions, crafting, history and how the Tribe will continue to move forward.
What is your hidden talent?
I’ve got a very musical ear and can almost play any melodic instrument I pick up after a few minutes of fiddling around.
What dessert would you compare yourself to, and why?
If I were to compare myself to any dessert, I think it would be a blueberry muffin. As a person who loves spring and getting cozy, I think a blueberry muffin encapsulates all of that in a tasty pastry that isn’t too sweet. It’s a very versatile treat which I think depicts my many hobbies and pastimes!