Native American House Ambassador Program

Mia Davlantis (Menominee)

Major: Aerospace Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering

Pōsōh! My name is Mia Davlantis, and I am a junior in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am maternally Menominee and grew up in Springfield, Illinois.

This is my second year as a Student Ambassador. In my first year, I developed meaningful relationships with the students, faculty, and community members who came into our space and learned a lot about the care that goes into making NAH feel like a “home” for all. This year, I aim to make further developments in both of these areas.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a master’s in Nuclear Engineering. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of nuclear fusion-propelled spacecraft. I am deeply passionate about aerospace and nuclear engineering because I believe that the complexity and innovation within these fields hold the potential to create transformative technologies that benefit humanity as a whole.

Zoe Kraft

Major: Interdisciplinary Psychology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

My name is Zoe Kraft. Much of my time on campus is spent building connections and supporting student communities. In addition to serving as a Native American House Ambassador, I am an Inclusion and Leadership Mentor within University Housing, where I collaborate with fellow students to facilitate weekly community-building events. I am also an undergraduate research assistant in the Developing Equitable Minds Lab within the Department of Psychology.

One of the things I value most about attending the University of Illinois is the opportunity to connect with students and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Being part of such a diverse campus community allows me to learn from others while pursuing my passion for building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in School Psychology. I hope to contribute to research and practice that creates welcoming learning environments where all children can learn, grow, and thrive while giving back to my community and future generations.

Evan Shannon (Dena'ina Athabascan/Sugpiaq)

Graduate Student, School of Information Sciences

Cama'i! My name is Evan. I am Dena'ina Athabascan and Sugpiaq, with roots in Ninilchik, Alaska, though I was born and raised in Tennessee. In 2025, I graduated from the University of Tennessee with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Classics and Religious Studies. This fall, I will begin pursuing a Master of Science in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

My research focuses on indigenizing libraries, particularly through reparative cataloging and examining how classification systems shape access for Native communities. I hope to bring that work into technical services at Tribal libraries and colleges. I stay connected to my community through programs with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), an Alaska Native corporation, including the C3 Experience, the CIRI Participation Committee, and scholarships through the CIRI Foundation. In my free time, I love a good board game and hanging out with my cat.

Ashlee Shoemaker (Diné)

Major: Mechanical Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering

Yà'àt'èèh! Ashlee yinishyé, Honágháahnii nishłį́, Bilágáana bá shíshchíín, Tótsohnii dashicheii, Bilagáana dashinálí, díígi átʼéego chʼikę́ę́h nishłį́ .

Hello, my name is Ashlee Shoemaker, and I am a citizen of the Navajo Nation. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and began attending the University of Illinois in Fall 2023. I am currently a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

I previously worked with the Trickster Cultural Center, an organization located in Schaumburg, Illinois, dedicated to promoting Native culture and fostering community through education and events. Through this work, I volunteered at numerous gatherings, including the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans, youth cultural camps, and the Tribal Youth Council. These experiences deepened my understanding of the importance of community-based learning, cultural continuity, and advocacy, and they inspired me to become involved with the Native American House.

This spring, I am excited to join the Native American House Ambassador Program, where I look forward to learning from Indigenous leaders and peers, strengthening my connection to my own culture, and sharing Indigenous knowledge with the campus and broader community.