Recent School of Law LL.M. Grad Named 'Champion of Change'
Vena A-dae Romero and School of Law Dean Stacy Leeds at the White House
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Vena A-dae Romero, a recent graduate of
the University of Arkansas School of Law, was honored as a “Champion of Change”
on Tuesday, July 29, by the White House and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The “Champions of Change” are 15 leaders from across the
country who are doing extraordinary things to build the bench for the next
generation of farming and ranching. Romero, who graduated in May with a Master
of Laws degree, is Cochiti Puebloan and Kiowa Indian. She was born in Cochiti
Pueblo, New Mexico, as a granddaughter of a Pueblo farmer.
As a student in the School of Law’s graduate program in
agricultural and food law, she worked with the Indigenous Food and Agricultural Initiative.
She now consults for First Nations Development Institute, a leading Native
American nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen American Indian economies.
Romero also was awarded a J. William Fulbright Scholarship this
year to complete a research study on indigenous food sovereignty in New
Zealand. Her study will compare similar colonial experiences between the Maori
people of New Zealand and the American Indians in the United States and explore
the influence of traditional food systems.
The Champions of Change program featured USDA Deputy
Secretary Krysta Harden, who discussed efforts to ensure that beginning farmers
and the growing ranks of agriculture — women, young people, immigrants,
socially disadvantaged producers, returning veterans and retirees — have access
to the programs and support they need. The event included a discussion about
how to continue growing and supporting the next generation of America’s farmers
and ranchers.
The Champions of Change program was created as an
opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses, and
organizations doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of
their communities. To learn more about Champions of Change and nominate someone
for the program, click here.
Contacts
Andy Albertson, director of communications
School of Law
575-6111,
aalbert@uark.edu
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