Dante Martinez

Dante Martinez, 21-years-old, is Coast Miwok from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and attends Santa Rosa Junior College. During his first year of college, Dante became captain of the swim team. He has been mentoring with Jeri Brunoe and is now a Youth Facilitator at the national level. As such, he feels a sense of passion and honor to give back to the community. Dante was also part of the Native American Youth Action Team for four years and was able to attend several Native American youth conferences in Phoenix, San Diego, LA and Jackson.

All of his experiences have taught him leadership and team-building skills. He is inspired to follow the example of other workers he loves and respects, who have taught him what it is to be a leader. Dante believes that through tribal programs, we can improve our communities and create opportunities to help Native youth. He believes youth programming is important because it gets kids involved and helps them gain an understanding of community.