Marisela Chávez, UCCE Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor

Marisela Chavez

Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor

Ph.D. in Forest and Conservation Science (University of Montana), M.A. in Latin American & Caribbean Studies (University of Kansas), and B.A. in Spanish (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee).
Food sovereignty, Indigenous foodways, agrobiodiversity conservation, milpa agroecosystems, climate resilience

Chicana environmental social scientist with a passion for work centered on Native and Indigenous ancestral foodways, biocultural heritage stewardship, and social justice. She's worked in conservation projects and conducted research across the Américas, from México to Brazil, to deepen her understanding of how food connects us, the relationships that are ingrained in all of the ways that food is produced, acquired, eaten, and shared, and community-centered food sovereignty initiatives. Her doctoral research in southern México focused on understanding how two Indigenous communities navigate climate change impacts on the production and availability of native crops and wild foods. 

Currently partnering with Native American Tribes, Indigenous communities, and Tribal-serving organizations in Southern California to co-develop and deliver an applied research and extension program to strengthen Indigenous food systems and supports Indigenous food sovereignty pathways in San Diego and Riverside counties. This includes cultural heritage revitalization, organic farming and gardening, climate resilience, and land stewardship.