Sierra Barnes began advocating for farmed animals at the age of 16, after several visits to a local meat-packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. She graduated summa cum laude from Lewis & Clark College of Arts and Sciences in the spring of 2026, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and departmental honors for her thesis work.
For over six years, Sierra has organized protests and participated in campaigns against factory farming, fur, animal testing, and the exotic pet trade. She developed an interest in animal law and policy as an undergraduate student, participated in various events and conferences with Lewis & Clark’s Student ALDF chapter, and, as an upperclassman, enrolled concurrently in two animal law courses. Outside of traditional academia, Sierra interned at the Society for the Protection of Insects, drafting legislation, learning how to lobby, and communicating regularly with Colorado legislators. She later transitioned to a legislative internship with a Colorado House representative and current congressional candidate.
Broadly, at Lewis & Clark Law School, Sierra hopes to gain further competency in legal writing and analysis. More specifically, she seeks to improve her ability to draft legislation at various levels of government and learn how to establish, operate, and fundraise for successful nonprofits in the animal rights space.