Biography: Mardryka (Seminole and Cherokee descendant) earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bennington College. After graduating, she returned to Minnesota, where she discovered her passion for youth development, focusing on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within P–12 education. She currently serves as the Youth Programs Coordinator at the Native American Community Clinic, where she leverages her expertise in educational systems and program implementation to support C2DREAM's Project BRAID. Her work centers on strengthening youth and family well-being through collaborative, community-driven approaches. As an early career researcher, Mardryka's interests include trauma and resilience, youth mental health, and equitable systems transformation.