Olivia Romo is an American poet, spoken word artist, and water rights activist from Taos, New Mexico.[1][2] Her work centers on the cultural significance of water within Northern New Mexico's agricultural communities, particularly focusing on the acequia irrigation system. Romo's upbringing in a family that valued land, culture, and history deeply influenced her creative journey. With a dual degree in English and Chicana and Chicano Studies from the University of New Mexico, she is well-equipped to blend her artistic expression with social advocacy.
Romo's notable achievements include collaborations like "Spinning with Water History," which celebrated the storytelling heritage of the acequia history. Her acclaimed poem "Bendición del Agua" reflects the struggles and hopes of rural communities tied to ancestral ways of life and water sources. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Romo has actively supported water rights as an advisor to the New Mexico Acequia Association, addressing challenges exacerbated by drought and climate change.
Recognized as the New Mexico State Champion of Slam Poetry in 2011, Romo's linguistic prowess shines through her bilingual, manito dialect of New Mexico that she employs in her spoken word performances. Her ability to meld magical realism with sociopolitical commentary has garnered attention from outlets like The New York Times and Albuquerque Journal, and the Taos News. By merging her artistic prowess with water rights advocacy, Romo effectively conveys the complex interplay of culture, history, and environmental concerns in her community. Romo lives in Pojoaque, and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico.