Tell us a little about who you are and where you are from. 

​

I was born in Roanoke, VA.  The youngest daughter of a Baptist pastor.  I was a teen mom and had my first son at 18.  Even those who loved me, doubted that I would make it through college.  I was nine months pregnant when I took my first college final and too big to fit in the desk at the University of Washington.  I graduated on time and went to Seattle University School of Law to receive my Juris Doctorate. 

​

​

Why did you become an attorney?

 

I wanted to do something with my life that would make a difference and make a positive impact in my community. 

 

 

What is the most impactful thing you've been able to do with your law degree?

 

I am the first attorney in my family.  That alone has impacted the people around me.  It has provided encouragement and hope to other young black women that they can accomplish anything.

 

 

Has your identity helped make you a better lawyer?  If so, in what way?

 

Definitely.  I bring my background, culture, and life experience with me to work each day.  I have a different outlook on cases, victims, and defendants.  It enables me to have a different perspective about cases that otherwise may not be considered.

 

 

Thinking about the future generation of diverse attorneys, what piece of advice do you have?

 

Have courage and be yourself.  We should never be pressured into making decisions that we do not believe in.  Stand true to who you are and never be afraid to go against the grain.

​

 

Why should we be concerned about the diversity of our profession?

​

Because the population that we serve is diverse, the people that serve them should also reflect that diversity.  Especially in the criminal justice field, it is imperative that there are people of all walks of life at the table making important decisions.  Our life experience will differ and that could change the outlook of an individual’s circumstance.

​

 

Thinking about going to law school, what is the one thing that you wish you would have known that you know now?

 

Law School does not teach you how to be a good lawyer.  It will provide tools that help you along the way.  But, the real teacher is experience, both present and past. 

​

 

What was your top highlight of law school?

 

I worked with Joaquin Avila doing legal research on our voting rights.  He has since passed away.  Working under him and compiling research was one of the highlights of Law School.

​

 

What piece of advice do you have for diverse youth who are considering law school?

 

It will not be easy.  But, your presence it necessary.  Be yourself because there is someone out there that will be inspired by YOU.

​

 

Tell us about a mentor, professor, fellow student, friend, or family member that helped you succeed in law school.  Who was it and how did they help?

 

Of course my mother was my ultimate supporter.  However, Professor John Strait was a huge resource for me.  He helped me in ways that I cannot describe. I would not be a lawyer today without his help.