Yolanda Benally is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran, environmental engineer, and agricultural advocate with a lifelong dedication to land stewardship, sustainability, and Indigenous empowerment. Born on the Navajo reservation and raised on a working farm, Yolanda developed a profound respect for the land at an early age. Under the guidance of her father, she learned to operate farm machinery and manage traditional agricultural practices — skills that would later become a foundation for her career in environmental science and sustainable farming.
Yolanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she cultivated a strong technical understanding of environmental systems and resource management. Driven to merge legal frameworks with environmental advocacy, she went on to complete a Master of Science in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School (VLS), one of the nation’s top environmental law institutions.
In both her academic and professional journeys, Yolanda has remained committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and addressing the environmental challenges that disproportionately impact Native communities. She currently serves as an active member of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, where she lobbies on behalf of Navajo family farmers along the San Juan River, advocating for policies that support equitable land access, water rights, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Yolanda is now focused on transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming methods and is seeking mentorship and collaboration with experts and practitioners in the field. Her mission is to integrate regenerative practices that honor traditional Indigenous knowledge while enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
A proud mother of three teenagers, Yolanda balances her professional commitments with a vibrant personal life. She enjoys sewing, hiking, biking, and working on her family farm — continuing a legacy of resilience and reverence for the land. With a unique blend of military discipline, technical expertise, and grassroots advocacy, Yolanda Benally stands at the intersection of environmental justice, Indigenous leadership, and agricultural innovation.
