Katsitsatekanoniahkwa Destiny Lazore, a student at Syracuse University, has been awarded the 2025 Udall Scholarship for her work in Tribal Public Policy. Lazore is pursuing majors in communication and rhetorical studies as well as political science, with a minor in Native American studies. She is also a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.
The Udall Foundation grants scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate leadership, public service, and dedication to issues concerning Native American nations or the environment. This year, Lazore is among 55 students nationwide selected for this honor. In August, she will join other Udall Scholars for an orientation that includes meeting alumni and community leaders in environmental fields and tribal governance.
Lazore aims to become a curriculum and policy consultant for schools serving Indigenous communities. “I want to create educational standards that help students succeed while preserving Native traditions, history and languages,” she says.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Lazore plans to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership at Hawaii Pacific University. Her goal is to return to her community to expand Kanien’kėha (Mohawk) language immersion programs across all age groups. She also seeks to integrate cultural practices into everyday learning.
“Elders and community leaders must have a stronger voice in shaping curriculum and school policies,” Lazore states. “An educated Native person is a powerful one.”
As a first-generation college student from underfunded schools, Lazore took initiative by using resources like libraries to further her education. At Syracuse University, she has participated actively in academic life through research projects such as working with Chie Sakakibara on Indigenous Northern Landscapes funded by the National Science Foundation.
In 2022, Lazore developed a database of resources focusing on Indigenous authors for the University’s Bird Library. The project aimed at empowering Native scholars by highlighting narratives beyond Euro-centric perspectives.
Lazore’s involvement extends beyond campus; she organized workshops at Tewatohnhi’saktha in Kahnawà:ke during summer 2024 focused on education and financial literacy for Indigenous students.
“Destiny’s academic success…made her a truly outstanding candidate for the Udall Scholarship,” says Jolynn Parker from Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA).
Lazore will study abroad in London during fall 2025 where she plans to conduct research on Indigenous communities.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Lazore expresses gratitude towards those who supported her academically: “I’m glad I have never stopped believing in myself.”
The Udall Foundation was established by Congress in 1992 honoring Morris Udall and Stewart Udall’s contributions towards Native American self-governance among other areas. The foundation offers scholarships related primarily towards environmental studies or issues pertinent specifically towards native populations including health care policies involving tribes throughout North America each year via nominations submitted annually before March deadlines managed locally within universities themselves like CFSA does here locally too!
