Lamaia Vaughn, Rio Grande WAVES Organization

With over 30 years in entertainment and communication, Lamaia Vaughn has acclaimed for her roles as a writer, director, and producer, creating documentaries and public service announcements on issues like health and the environment.

Now, Vaughn leads the “Water is Life” project, tackling the scarce water resources in desert areas along the southwestern US coast and US-Mexico borders. Their team uses videos and podcasts to spotlight the daily challenges local residents face, guiding future media creators and equipping them to convey socially remarkable messages that inspire positive engagement.

Lamaia and their colleagues will be hosting the Climates of Inequality exhibit in Las Cruces, NM, in fall 2025.

• See Lamaia’s local story, “Water is Life:  Stressed Water Supplies in the Southwest“
• Hear more interviews with students and community members facing water challenges here and here
• See the Water is Life documentary film.