33rd National NALSA Moot Court Competition

NALSA E-Board

President Makai Zuniga is a dedicated law student currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, with an expected graduation in May 2025. Throughout his academic journey, Makai has distinguished himself through various honors and activities. Makai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). His commitment to Native American issues is evident through his involvement with the Indigenous Student Organization and the Native American Political Leadership Program during his time at UNR. He participated in the American Indian Law Clinic's Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) in 2022, attended the White House Tribal Youth Forum, and serves as a Senior Staff member for the Nevada Law Journal. He is actively involved in several organizations, including the California Indian Law Association (CILA), the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) at UNLV, and the National Native American Law Student Association (NNALSA), where he holds leadership roles. Makai's professional experience includes law clerk positions at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, where he focused on Federal Indian Law, tribal law, and environmental justice. He also served as a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, contributing to policy development on issues affecting Native American communities. In addition to his legal pursuits, Makai is dedicated to community service, volunteering with Kids' Court School and serving as Secretary for Tribal Minds Incorporated, a nonprofit supporting Tribal communities in Northern Nevada.

Vice President Celina Stops is currently in her second year of law school at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law. Prior to law school, Celina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Marketing from UNLV. Celina is honored to have been selected as a Justice Douglas Pre-Law Fellow in 2023. Celina is involved in a number of student organizations, including the Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) and the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA). Celina previously served as NALSA's First Year Council Member, reinforcing her desire to take on a larger leadership role in the future. Celina gained valuable professional experience in tribal law and governance as a summer law clerk for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, where she deepened her understanding of legal issues affecting Native communities. This experience strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in law and being an advocate for Indian Country. 

Secretary Yvette Machado is a proud member of the K’iche and Quechua communities and a trailblazing First-Generation Law Student. Rooted in her ancestral heritage, she carries the cultural strength of her antepasados into every space she enters. Her name, "Yvette," meaning "yew tree," reflects resilience and regeneration—qualities that mirror her commitment to her cultural roots and her mission to preserve them for future generations. As a K’iche’ woman, descended from one of the largest Maya groups whose name means “many trees,” Yvette’s identity is deeply tied to the land and its preservation. Likewise, as part of the Quechua community, descendants of the Inca whose name signifies "the people" or "living beings," Yvette draws inspiration from the chakana, the Andean cross symbolizing balance, interconnectedness, and harmony with the cosmos and Pachamama (Mother Earth). This deep connection to both her K’iche’ and Quechua identities drives her efforts to build unity across borders, recognizing that the shared histories and struggles of Indigenous peoples can be a powerful foundation for collective liberation. By fostering solidarity and mutual respect among communities, Yvette envisions a movement that transcends geographical and cultural divides, empowering Indigenous peoples everywhere to reclaim sovereignty and preserve their cultural strength. Her commitment to the Land Back movement and Indigenous empowerment in the legal sphere is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of representation. Through her work, she seeks to honor her ancestors’ teachings while creating pathways of solidarity, strength, and hope for future generations. K’ax k’aslemal ruk’u’x qatinamit, k’o wi k’aslemal (For the life of our community, there is life.)-[ K’iche ]

Treasurer Evan Richardson is a first-year law student at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, expecting to graduate in May 2027. With a major in Finance and minors in Economics and Accounting, Evan brings a strong analytical foundation to the study of law. As the Treasurer, Evan is excited to contribute to the organization’s financial management and assist in planning impactful events for members. Although this is his first year in law school and he is just beginning to explore opportunities outside the classroom, Evan is eager to connect with peers and engage in activities that further his passion for the legal field and native rights.

External Affairs Director Aidan McNulty is a first-year student at Boyd Law pursuing a J.D. and MBA at the Lee Business School. He is also interested in receiving his LL.M. in Gaming Law after graduation in the Spring '27. Aidan received his B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2021 with a major in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Aidan is the first person from his family and tribe to attend law school and delicate himself to Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups. He has a passion for community and social justice. Voices must be heard, rights protected and obstacles overcome. As External Affairs Director of Boyd’s NALSA, Aidan is dedicated to growing NALSA and ensuring that the club fosters a welcoming environment for Native and non-Native students. He wants to highlight Indigenous issues, celebrate Native culture, lift up Indigenous voices and educate the larger community about inclusivity and diversity.

First Year Representative Will Moeller is pursuing a Juris Doctor at the William S. Boyd School of Law with an expected graduation in May 2027. Will holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Will is a licensed CPA and his professional experience includes over ten (10) years in corporate and public accounting, including five (5) years working closely with over twenty Native American tribes and tribal casinos across the western United States, where he assisted in conducting financial and federal grant audits and consulting.