By Art Valles

At UCR, several Native American student-led organizations exist, including NASA (Native American Student Association), AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society), and NAHS ( Native American Honors Society). Each year, elections are held among the students. While many Native students participate in all three organizations, each has its own leadership structure dedicated to coordinating events for the Native student community. NASA serves as the primary organization for Native students, taking the lead in organizing and executing numerous events on campus that benefit the Native American community.

This year's president of NASA is Alikoi Para, who is also one of the student assistants at the CCNN. As the former Co-chair of NASA, I observed Alikoi's dedication and enthusiasm for the Native community. I recognized her potential as a leader and noted her strong work ethic, prompting me, along with other officers, to nominate her for the presidency. Subsequently, her peers elected her to the position.

Alikoi is a member of the Kaswa’ Chumash tribe, originating from the ancestral lands near the village of Micqanaqa’n, meaning "Coyote's Jaw," located in Ventura, California. She has spent her formative years in this thriving community and is currently a fourth-year student at UCR, pursuing a degree in Business Management and Organizational Behavior. Her identity and experiences are deeply intertwined with her heritage, which significantly informs her aspirations and sense of purpose.

In the Chumash language, her name is pronounced Ah’ lok’ oi, which translates to “Dolphin.” This name, featuring a glottal stop often overlooked by others, holds cultural significance and symbolizes her connection to the ocean and her roots, serving as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving her heritage.

The experiences that have profoundly shaped her identity are closely linked to the history of her people. Due to colonization and the attempted genocide of California Indians, approximately 90% of her tribe faced decimation during the Mission period. These painful historical events have motivated her commitment to reclaiming what was lost and to fostering a sustainable cultural future for her community. Drawing from her personal experiences with cultural practices, such as tomol building, basket weaving, and traditional food classes, she understands the healing benefits these activities provide, particularly for youth, by fostering identity, pride, and resilience.

Throughout her journey, Alikoi has engaged in various projects within tribal and broader community contexts, primarily focusing on working directly with youth to implement cultural programs centered around language revitalization, traditional ecological knowledge, including cultural burning, and the arts. These initiatives are not merely aimed at preservation; rather, they are about active participation and creating environments in which cultural practices can flourish.

Although she entertained many childhood dreams of becoming a pop star, Alikoi's true aspiration has always been to serve, connect, and uplift others through community engagement.

From her perspective, a competent leader exemplifies adaptability, digital fluency, and emotional intelligence. A true leader is a builder—someone who cultivates diverse, inclusive, and high-performing teams by promoting clear communication and psychological safety. These attributes are essential in creating a supportive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute their best efforts.

As the incoming president of NASA, Alikoi's foremost objective is to strengthen the Native student community by transforming NASA into a genuine home-away-from-home for all Native students on campus. She aims to foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, facilitating practical workshops on financial literacy, scholarship opportunities, and graduate school applications. Beyond these initiatives, she aims to utilize the organization's platform to celebrate the narratives of Native students, highlight the remarkable accomplishments of its members, and showcase the resilience and dedication inherent within the Native student population. Her vision is to establish a space where cultural pride takes precedence and where their stories continue to inspire generations to come.

Outside of her academic and professional responsibilities, she finds joy in activities that connect her to nature and herself. She often seeks tranquility on mountain trails, hiking to lofty heights or swimming freely in the ocean. Additionally, she prioritizes physical wellness through Pilates and Barre classes, frequently attending sessions with her favorite instructor, Jenna. Preparing meals for loved ones is another pursuit that brings her happiness, allowing her to nurture connections within her community.

Alikoi's journey is propelled by a profound commitment to her community and a fervent belief in the power of cultural revitalization, education, and collective advancement. She is dedicated to serving others, preserving her heritage, and cultivating a supportive environment where every individual can thrive and achieve success.