Allison Neswood is an experienced advocate for social justice and equitable policy. At NARF, Allison is a member of the voting rights practice group, which engages in nationwide litigation, advocates for Native American voting rights legislation, supports civic engagement, and assists tribes in advocating for greater voter access for their communities.In her role, Allison was the lead attorney in successful federal litigation challenging an Arizona state law that would have disproportionately denied Native Americans the right to vote. She also focuses on the enforcement of Native voters’ language access under section 203 of the Voting Rights Act.
Allison believes that we as a nation have made policy choices that continue to negatively impact the health and well-being of Native communities for generations. Her work is dedicated to changing that reality.
Prior to joining the NARF team, Allison established herself as an expert in the field of health policy and healthcare justice. She led the passage of several pieces of legislation to improve equity in health care and was recognized with the Health Equity Advocate of the Year Award (Colorado Cross Disability Center), the Consumer Champion Award (Colorado Consumer Health Initiative), and Consumer Health Advocate Award (FamiliesUSA).
Past media appearances include Stairway to ATJ podcast. Episode 2: Diversity and Justice (Colorado Bar Association).
Tribal Affiliation
- Navajo
Education
- Yale University, B.A. Political Science
- Columbia Law School, J.D.
- Outstanding Contribution to Social Justice Award for a service learning trip she led to the Navajo Nation.
Admissions to Practice
- Colorado Bar
Publications and Presentations
- “Four States Open the Door to Automatic Voter Registration for Native Americans.” Co-authored with Sonya Schwartz, Institute for Responsive Government. (June 2024)
- “Indigenous Governance Traditions: Native Nationhood, Sovereignty, and Democracy.” CSU Democracy Summit 2024. (May 2024)
- “Case Study: Experiences battling debt drive reform of hospital financial assistance laws in Colorado.” Colorado Center on Law and Policy. (December 2021)
- “Stairway to ATJ podcast. Episode 2: Diversity and Justice.” Colorado Bar Association. (November 2020)
Download a high resolution headshot of Allison Neswood here.
