Rising Nations Youth Program
- Faith, Culture, and Community in Action
Program Overview:
Rising Nations Youth Program is a Native-led youth development program focused on preparing young people for adulthood, leadership, financial responsibility, and future career opportunities. The program teaches youth essential life skills, financial literacy, leadership skills, career development, and personal growth. Rising Nations is designed to help Native youth and community youth build confidence, understand responsibility, prepare for leadership roles, and develop tools they can use throughout adulthood. The program is rooted in Native values, cultural pride, community responsibility, and leadership development. Rising Nations helps youth see themselves as future leaders while giving them practical knowledge they can apply in real life.
What Rising Nations Youth Program Offers:
- Adulthood readiness
- Life skills education
- Financial literacy
- Leadership development
- Career development
- Confidence-building
- Cultural pride and Native leadership
- Workshops, lessons, and youth-focused activities
Giovonni Fortunati
Executive Director For Rising Nations Youth Program
Giovonni Fortunati is a 20-year-old Native American youth advocate, filmmaker, educator, and community leader dedicated to empowering the next generation through cultural education, leadership development, and storytelling. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Rising Nations Youth Program, Giovonni serves as the program’s lead instructor and speaker, developing and teaching curriculum focused on leadership, financial literacy, career exploration, communication skills, cultural identity, and personal growth for Native youth throughout Sonoma County.
MaDonna Feather Cruz
Executive Advisor & Community & Cultural Development for Rising Nations Youth Program
I am MaDonna Feather Cruz and I am a proud Native American woman living with disabilities committed to making a difference in my community and beyond. I am a passionate advocate for native wellness, raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), and cultural preservation. I am inspired by the sacrifices and wisdom of those who came before me, and I am grateful for the support of my community and elders. I am dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional practices and the modern world. I strive to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect among different communities.
staff connected to Prophetic Kitchen
Executive Advisor, Program Developer for Rising Nations
Donald H. Gonzalez
Donny H. Gonzalez III is a respected community leader, mentor, faith-based advocate, and dedicated family man committed to serving the people of Sonoma County through outreach, leadership, and compassion. As a devoted husband and proud father of four children, three sons and one daughter, Donny leads with a strong foundation of family values, integrity, and service to others.
Outreach Coordinator & Volunteer For Prophetic Kitchen & Volunteer For Rising Nations
Karina Chavez
My name is Karina Chavez Barragan, and I am a proud Mexican Indigenous woman and descendant of the Purépecha people of Michoacán, Mexico. As a Chicana and Mexicana, I value my culture, faith, family, and community. While I am not perfect, I am grateful to serve an amazing God and strive to live a life rooted in service and humility. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Chicano and Latino Studies from Sonoma State University in 2022, my Master of Social Work from California State University, Stanislaus in 2024, and my Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2025.
Reach Out and Connect
Chairman Contact:
(415) 870-0558
dgonzalez120782@icloud.com
Vice Chairwoman Contact:
(707) 681-4799
madonnacruzconsulting@gmail.com