Tafoya has excelled during her years at ASU, most recently by being named the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Medalist in American Indian studies as well as being nominated for the Dean’s Medal in justice studies. She is also this year’s recipient of the Jean Chaudhuri Memorial Scholarship.

Choosing justice studies as a dual major gave her a better understanding of the problems that affect her tribe such as domestic violence and child abuse, while political science provides knowledge of state and local government.

“I want to make the tribal system more efficient,” she said. “I’m a really big proponent of restorative justice that focuses on traditional values that American Indians can use to promote justice based on their traditions for people who commit crimes.” For instance, a domestic violence incident may be addressed by bringing the parties involved together to think of a traditional way to heal. Restorative justice is a way to bring healing and balance back to the community.