Tribal Youth Justice Resource Center Young Leaders are a unique group actively co-creating positive impacts in their Tribal communities with their peers, while also expanding their own lived experiences. The TYJRC Young Leaders embody the purpose of the TYJRC: “Enhancing the opportunities for Indigenous communities to expand their potential in protecting and nurturing their most sacred asset – their youth.” These young people represent diverse voices from various Tribes, Villages, and Pueblos. Over the last several years, the TYJRC Young Leaders have brought their voices, innovation, and creativity to make an ongoing impact both within their communities and at a national level, contributing to the TYJRC’s efforts in myriad ways. The Young Leaders develop and facilitate TYJRC Online Learning Events, conference sessions, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters, as well as provide Openings and Closings for TYJRC meetings and events.
Meet the TYJRC Young Leaders below!
CeCe Thomas
Estonko! My name is CeCe Thomas. I am a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and reside on the Brighton Seminole Reservation. I am a 2025 Youth Leader at the Tribal Youth Resource Center, and I am very honored to be a part of this program. I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree as a student at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Native American Studies with a minor in Art. I have taken an opportunity to travel around Indian country as an ambassador/tribal royalty for my tribe. I am heavily influenced by my Seminole heritage and hope to encourage Native youth, not only from my tribe but across Indian Country, to become more involved in their communities. I believe the youth are not just the future leaders of tomorrow, but are also leaders of today, and they serve an important role in the shaping of our communities. Besides all the seriousness, I enjoy painting and sewing. I hope to one day start a small business selling my artwork. Mvto, Thank you.
Lolita King
My name is Lolita King, and I am 21 years old. I currently reside in Rapid City, SD, and I am a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. I work with youth who experience homelessness and housing insecurity. In my current role, I help these young individuals develop life skills and encourage them to use their voices to overcome the barriers they face. Given their lived experiences, it is vital to ensure that they have a say in decisions that affect their community. I have been attending college online for a Criminal Justice degree in human services, but in the past few months, I switched to a BA in Human Services with a focus on Child and Family Services. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and connecting with nature alongside my loved ones. I am also excited to begin my journey into motherhood in the next few months.
Lorraine Mazzetti
Lorraine Mazzetti is from the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians; she graduated from UCLA in 2023 with two bachelor’s degrees in political science and American Indian studies. After graduation, she returned home to the Rincon reservation and worked for the Intertribal Court of Southern California, a tribal court that serves a consortium of tribes. Mazzetti currently serves as the Education Wellness Advocate, collaborating closely with the Tribal Youth Court. She plays a key role in supporting Native youth by providing diversion services with the goal of fostering positive change within their tribal communities. Mazzetti is looking forward to participating in the TYJRC Young Leaders Program and voicing her role in Tribal Restorative Justice.
Temyal N Lomayesva
Temyal N. Lomayesva is a proud member of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and a descendant of the Hopi Tribe. A recent graduate of the University of California, Temyal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a focus on Climate Change and Human Solutions. Passionate about advocating for Tribal Nations and sustainable futures, Temyal is furthering her education by applying to law school with the goal of specializing in Agricultural Law. Temyal currently serves as the Youth Wellness Advocate for the Intertribal Court of Southern California, where she advocates for the Tribal Youth Court Diversion Program which works to empower Native youth and promote restorative justice within tribal communities.
We would also like to acknowledge our recent Tribal Youth Resource Center Young Leader graduates: Sydney Matheson (Mentor), Colville Confederated Tribes; Anagali (Shace) Duncan, Keetoowah, Muskogee Creek, Seneca; Sam Schimmel, Kenaitze Indian and Siberian Yupik Eskimo; Kaitlin Martinez (Mentor), O’odham and Dine; Colby WhiteThunder (Mentor), Alabama-Coushatta / Omaha; Isabella Fridia, Hanhe Wi Iyoyanpa Win (Bright Shining Moon Woman), Wichita, Kiowa, Caddo, Hunka Oglala Lakota; James John II, Kipnuk Traditional Council; Misty Sandoval, Navajo and Seminole.
