Cara Romero, a prominent Native American photographer, was born in Inglewood, California, and grew up on the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe's reservation. She has a multicultural heritage, with her father being Chemehuevi and her mother of German-Irish descent. Her educational journey began with a major in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Houston, reflecting her deep interest in cultural narratives. She later pursued formal training in photography, studying at the Institute of American Indian Arts and advancing her skills in commercial photography at Oklahoma State University.
Romero is married to Diego Romero, a renowned Cochiti Pueblo artist, and together they have two sons. Her family life and heritage have profoundly influenced her artistic vision, which often explores themes of identity, culture, and the interplay between traditional and contemporary life.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Romero has been deeply involved in community leadership. She served as the first executive director of the Chemehuevi Cultural Center, a role in which she worked to preserve and promote her tribe's cultural heritage. From 2007 to 2010, Romero was an elected member of the Chemehuevi Tribal Council, where she also served as Chairman of the Chemehuevi Education Board and the Chemehuevi Early Education Policy Council. Her contributions in these roles have had a lasting impact on her community, particularly in the areas of education and cultural preservation.
Romero’s work and leadership reflect a lifelong commitment to honoring her roots while bridging the past and present through art and advocacy.
Exhibits:
Panûpünüwügai (Living Light), Hood Museum 2025