Life & Work with Troi Madison Newman of Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Troi Madison Newman.

Hi Troi Madison, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Troi Madison Newman (she/her), and I’m a proud Black-Indigenous woman and enrolled member of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland. I’m currently a third-year law student at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, pursuing a certificate in the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program (IPLP). My roots are in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland, and my legal passions lie at the intersection of Civil Rights, Environmental & Water Law, and the fight against racial discrimination that continues to impact Black and Indigenous communities in environmental policymaking.

I earned my B.S. from Frostburg State University and my M.P.S. from George Washington University, and I’m also a 2022 graduate of the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) for American Indians & Alaska Natives. I live with Type 1 Diabetes, and I’m deeply committed to increasing visibility and awareness about chronic illness within minority communities.

My journey in law school has been fueled by advocacy and service. For the 2024–2025 term, I served as the Western Regional Chair of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) and as the Area 5 Representative for the National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA). In January 2025, I led our NBLSA Western Regional Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a transformative space where we engaged in meaningful conversations about the future of Black legal advocacy. One of the standout moments was our panel discussion and keynote session with Dr. Umar Johnson, a well-known internet figure. We didn’t just listen—we asked hard questions and sparked conversations around educational advocacy, pushing the narrative forward on how Black attorneys can redefine justice for our communities.

In addition to legal work, I’m an advocate for my tribal nation. Through public speaking, I’ve worked to amplify the sovereignty and rightful stewardship of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe over unceded lands in the DMV. I also contributed as a Content Creator to the 2024 Harris-Walz Campaign and have long-term aspirations to serve in the U.S. Congress.
My path has never been linear, but it’s always been led by a commitment to justice, visibility, and community-centered leadership.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I don’t think it was ever meant to be. My journey has been filled with challenges that have shaped me, stretched me, and ultimately grounded me in my purpose.

As a Black-Indigenous woman navigating spaces where we’re still underrepresented, I’ve constantly had to advocate for my identity to be fully seen and respected. Whether it’s explaining my tribe’s existence in conversations where Indigenous narratives are erased, or pushing back against anti-Blackness in Native spaces—I’ve learned to stand firm in who I am, even when it’s uncomfortable for others.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes has also added a unique layer to my law school experience. Managing a chronic illness while pursuing such an intense academic path has taught me resilience and discipline on a whole new level. There have been moments when I was physically and mentally drained, but I’ve had to keep going—not just for myself, but for the people I represent.

There’s also the weight of leadership. Serving as Western Regional Chair for NBLSA and Area 5 Rep for NNALSA came with a lot of responsibility. Planning a convention, organizing students across states, and navigating internal and external challenges while still being a full-time law student? It was hard. But those struggles built my confidence and made every success even more meaningful.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth—but every bump, every setback, has been part of a bigger story about persistence, power, and purpose. And I’m proud of the road I’ve walked.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While I’m currently a full-time law student at the University of Arizona in the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program, I’m also an emerging speaker, advocate, and voice for underrepresented communities—particularly Black and Indigenous peoples.

I specialize in speaking on issues of tribal sovereignty, racial justice, environmental racism. What I’m most known for is the way I weave together lived experience, legal knowledge, and cultural identity to create powerful, thought-provoking conversations that challenge norms and push people to think deeper.

I’ve had the honor of delivering addresses at some incredible institutions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, George Washington University, and Johns Hopkins University, among others. These opportunities have allowed me to speak not just from a legal perspective, but from a personal and communal one—representing the voices of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and advocating for justice on behalf of Black and Indigenous peoples across the country.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to stand in front of these powerful institutions and speak truth to power, while still being a full-time law student. I see myself not just as a future attorney—but as a bridge-builder between communities, institutions, and movements that have too often been left out of the legal and political conversation.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One of the most important qualities that has contributed to my success is authenticity. I’ve learned that showing up fully as myself—Black, Indigenous, disabled, a law student, a speaker, an advocate—is not only powerful, it’s necessary. In spaces where people like me have historically been excluded or silenced, authenticity becomes a form of resistance. It’s how I build trust, form connections, and push conversations forward.

I don’t try to conform to what a lawyer should look like or sound like. Instead, I center my lived experiences and the communities I represent. That’s what fuels my passion, informs my advocacy, and allows me to speak with both courage and compassion.

Authenticity also keeps me grounded. Whether I’m planning a regional convention, giving a keynote address, or just trying to survive finals week, being true to myself helps me navigate challenges with clarity and purpose. It’s easy to feel like you have to choose one version of yourself in professional spaces—but I’ve found that my power comes from bringing all of me to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/troimadison
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troimadison
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troimadison/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troinewman/

Image Credits
JEREMY COLEMAN