World-renowned activist Vandana Shiva challenges us to think about development in more sustainable ways by bringing attention to leading social justice questions of the day: how natural resources can be protected in order to sustain the earth and our futures, the impact of globalization in rural communities, and the role of women in economic production.

With a bachelor’s degree in physics and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario, Shiva founded Navdanya, an Indian women’s movement to protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, especially native seeds.

Shiva’s many honors include the Right Livelihood Award, which recognizes and supports those “offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today.” A prolific author, her most recent books include Staying Alive (2010, South End Press) and Making Peace With The Earth (2013, Pluto Press).

Her residency at Beloit College brought attention to the power of activism to encourage dialogue and positive social change, with a particular focus on access, availability, and quality of our food as a human right.