New York, New York, United States
I’m currently a dedicated student at Columbia University, double majoring in Political Science and African American studies. My academic journey has led me to explore the evolution of colonial systems and its current impact on the Black community. I’m passionate about critically understanding the criminal justice system and its exploitative impact on marginalized communities. After graduating from Columbia, I plan to pursue a JD, from which I’ll be a criminal justice lawyer, advocating for underrepresented communities.
The Laidlaw Scholars Program is a prestigious undergraduate leadership development fellowship funded by the Laidlaw Foundation. It’s divided into two distinct sections: independent research and non-profit/NGO global collaboration. Additionally, this fellowship spans across two summers. For the first summer this program I: -Conducted an independent research project using archival methods to explore Africana folklore. -Collected archival materials in aiding my professor’s forthcoming published book. -Participated in leadership seminars focused on ethical research, global citizenship, and social impact. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible without Dr. Nyle E. Fort, my faculty mentor. I’m beyond grateful for him in exposing me to the tale of The Flying Africans, originating from West African folklore. Exploring its cultural impact and the spiritual practices around Black flight was an honor. I plan to delve deeper into my research and get published.
San Francisco’s District Attorney’s Office helped cultivate my legal writing skills, professionalism, and adaptability. A major lesson I learned was the value of resilience, especially in a profession where unpredictability and bureaucratic barriers occur on a daily basis. In this position I: - Drafted case summaries, attended court, read case files, and reported my findings to my direct supervisor. - Listened to jail calls and watched police body-cam footage to gather evidence for the prosecution. -Wrote case summaries and collected evidence which aided my Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in court.
The Bay Area Teach-in for Justice is an annual social justice summit where Jesuit schools collaborate to create workshops, invite keynotes speakers, and equip young advocates with valuable tools to engage in grass roots organizing. As the Co-chair of the planning committee, I: -Partnered with Bishop O’Dowd and Mitty to plan BATJ, educating participants on local issues including climate change, immigration, housing equity, and racial justice. -Curated list of guest speakers including civic leaders, grassroots organizations, and social justice advocates. -Planned interactive workshops which brought students and civic leaders together in promoting advocacy.
The Make A Splash foundation is a non-profit organization partnered with USA swimming. Its mission is to provide free access to swimming lessons for marginalized children ranging from ages 3-14. As an experienced swim instructor, I dedicated a total of 40 hours to help advance their cause. The drowning rates amongst marginalized communities are significantly higher as opposed to their white counterparts. Swimming should be a fundamental right accessible to all not only for survival, but also for enjoyment. I was honored to have volunteered as a swim instructor for three years of high school.
I was honored to have been selected as a keynote speaker for the Ignatian Family Teach in for Justice Conference. The theme was rooted and renewed, emphasizing the importance of uplifting all aspects of identity to foster belonging, humility, and most importantly, racial justice. As a Keynote speaker I: - Presented at an international justice conference in Washington D.C., where I spoke on the importance of being rooted and renewed in our racial identities with an emphasis on uplifting values of dignity, respect, and humility. - This event became the catalyst for fully emerging myself in legal advocacy and criminal justice.