CPN students from throughout the United States were selected to participate in the 2024 Potawatomi Leadership Program. The six-week program brings Tribal members aged 18-20 to the Nation’s headquarters near Shawnee, Oklahoma, for an immersive experience studying Bodéwadmimwen, meeting with Tribal leadership, attending sessions with different departments and enterprises, exploring their Potawatomi identities, participating in ceremonies and learning traditional crafts. As the next generation of leaders within the Tribe, students also undergo extensive leadership training. Meet the 2024 PLP class:
Hayley Abella
Burnett Family
Tacoma, Washington
Major: Linguistics
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I’ve always been curious about my Native heritage. Growing up in Washington state, I resonated closely with the traditions and practices of Coast Salish tribes. It wasn’t until later I discovered I was a part of CPN. PLP is a chance for me to explore a part of my identity I haven’t been able to explore before.
What are you looking forward to the most? The language lessons. I’ve taken a few online classes of Potawatomi, but nothing compares to immersion and speaking face to face.
Hobbies/interests: I really enjoy gardening and cooking. Making food is one of the ways I show my appreciation for others. During the summer you can find me out in my dad’s yard caring for our strawberries, or my auntie’s garden harvesting sage and sweetgrass while weeding.
Fun fact: I’m a fused glass artist in my spare time. I mainly create commission work and teach classes at my local museum.
Gage Anderson
LaFromboise/Peltier Family
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Major: Anthropology and History, hoping to study tribal law after I graduate
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I wanted to apply for two reasons. Firstly, I thought the program would be a unique opportunity for cultural engagement. I want to participate with and know as much as I can about the Potawatomi. I think it is important to know where you come from. This point is especially important to me since CPN has been of great help to myself and my family. Secondly, I have an interest in tribal law as a career path. I think this program offers a unique opportunity to learn more about how tribal governments operate and the issues these governments face.
What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to learning as much about our people as possible. I am particularly interested in our history, our cultural customs and the inner workings of Tribal government.
Hobbies/interests: My hobbies include hiking, hunting, exploring, writing and collecting. My interests include all things New Mexico, history, anthropology, language and music.
Fun fact: I love collecting. From coins to flags, vintage clothing and belt buckles.
Rylan Bruehl
Wilmette/Pambogo Family
Norman, Oklahoma
Major: Pre-veterinary
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I chose to apply for PLP because I never really got to experience a lot of my Tribal culture growing up, but my brother did this program and returned as a counselor for the next two years and really got connected and had an excellent experience.
What are you looking forward to the most? I am not sure! I don’t know what to expect so I guess all of it!
Hobbies/interests: I like to play video games, do recreational sports with friends and spend time with my family!
Fun fact: I had my appendix removed a day before senior prom and still went!
Ella Carbrey
Johnson Family
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Major: Psychology
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? To learn more about Potawatomi culture and my family’s history.
What are you looking forward to the most? I am most looking forward to meeting members of the community and learning more about the Tribe’s history and culture, as well as how I can help contribute to the future.
Hobbies/interests: I love exploring nature, hiking, reading and running.
Fun fact: I spent the last year dancing with a professional ballet company!
Megan Cavallaro
Anderson Family
Reno, Nevada
Major: Double major in Philosophy and Psychology
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I’ve wanted to learn more about the culture of the Tribe, and it will be a great learning experience!
What are you looking forward to the most? Learning everything I can! I want to immerse myself in the program.
Hobbies/interests: I love to read, it is my most ardent hobby! I’ll read anything from philosophical texts (I like the classics: Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, etc.) to sci-fi and fantasy. Another is playing games with my brother and spending time outside with all our animals! We have horses, chickens, dogs and a few fish!
Fun fact: I am a twin!
Caroline Gombas
Burnett Family
St. Louis, Missouri
Major: Liberal arts. Doing a mix of environmental science and Indigenous studies
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I wanted to be able to reconnect with my culture, learn from my elders and become more involved with the Tribe.
What are you looking forward to the most? I am most looking forward to participating in the ceremonies and learning the Tribal traditions.
Hobbies/interests: I love to hike, paint, lay in my hammock at parks and do crafts with my friends.
Fun fact: I was a full-time dog bather for two years.
Andrew Solano
Melot Family
Canton, Georgia
Major: International studies, public policy and law
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? To be part of something and do something this summer while also investing my time in something I really care about.
What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting new people and learning about the governance of the Tribe. Learn about policy making and some issues facing the Tribe.
Hobbies/interests: Hobbies: flying, biking, hanging out with friends, working out, running and learning. Interests: conflict resolution, policymaking, law, politics, war and debate.
Fun fact: I can fly a plane.
Stefan Hoffman
Burton/Ogee Family
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Major: Aerospace engineering
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? Exploring my heritage that I don’t know much about.
What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting new people.
Hobbies/interests: Skiing, bowling, line dancing.
Fun fact: I am also a German citizen!
Frieda White
Wilmette Family
Tucson, Arizona
Major: Anthropology and American Indian studies
Why did you decide to apply for PLP? I wanted to be a part of the 2024 Potawatomi Leadership Program because I feel that it is very important for me to connect with my Tribe through learning and growing with other Potawatomi youth such as myself. My goal for attending the PLP is to accumulate knowledge and experiences that will keep me connected with the Tribe for many years to come.
What are you looking forward to the most? There are many things that I am looking forward to while attending the PLP. I am most excited for attending the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center as well as learning traditional songs, stories and arts. Along with all of the learning opportunities, I am very excited about getting the chance to spend time in Shawnee with other PLP participants!
Hobbies/interests: I have always loved creating art in any way I can, I think that painting and drawing are my biggest hobbies. I work at the Arizona State Museum, and I am very interested in museum curation, artifacts, and creating beautiful, storytelling displays.
Fun fact: A fun fact about me is that one of my goals after graduating college is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania!