On Saturday August 15, Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria recognized the Indigenous Future Scholars winner Gianna Azbill during Native American Heritage Night. As a Navajo student at Sierra College, Azbill plans to transfer to UC Davis Spring 2027 to pursue a degree in Communications and Native American Studies with a minor in Business.
While studying at Sierra College and participating in her school’s student senate, Azbill has advocated for higher education opportunities for Native American individuals in programs such as Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) to help provide more assistance and community.
“I truly believe that my education is the most powerful way that I can give back to my community, as every opportunity I pursue is driven by the goal of expanding my knowledge and skills as a young Indigenous professional,” said Azbill.
After interning for Golden 1 Credit Union, her perspective on communications shifted to focus more heavily on her community. As the first in her family to live exclusively outside of their reservation and pursue higher education, Azbill has found the importance in giving back to her community and more specifically, tribal economic development and finance to assist in advancing tribal sovereignty for local Native nations.
“I now see it as a building block to opportunities to combine communications, business, and law to better serve my community,” said Azbill. “My biggest long-term goal in life is to support my community, as it is my support system, and a crucial part of my identity.”
In addition to presenting the award to the scholarship recipient, Republic FC celebrated Native American Heritage Night with a scarf giveaway, special vendors, and a limited-edition Strength in Motion jersey worn by the players to recognize the local Indigenous communities in the greater Sacramento area.
Applications are now open for the Next Gen STEM Scholarship – learn more and apply at SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship.
