Neely Bardwell is a Community Economic Development Intern working with the Native American Institute to develop and implement training sessions for tribes across Michigan. She is a current undergraduate student finishing up her third year as a Social Relations and Policy major in James Madison College. 

During her time at MSU she has been involved with several organizations centering Native success. She has served as one of the North American Indigenous Student Organization’s (NAISO) Co-Chairs since Spring 2022. Within James Madison College, she Co-Founded the Wilma Mankiller Society (Indigenous Students in Policy) and is currently the Co-Chair. She also served on the James Madison College Student Senate as a Senator for her major. 

Beyond the university, Neely has worked as a Staff Reporter for the leading National Native news company: Native News Online since Summer 2021. 

After graduating, Neely plans on continuing to work with Native students at the University, and creating policies and programs to increase Native support, retention, and safety.