Doctor of Jurisprudence - Alumnus

Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?

Growing up in Indianapolis, I had a desire to direct my career path to the city. So when I made law my focus, I knew I wanted to go to a law school that would set me up for a career in Indianapolis. With its proximity to the heart of downtown and wealth of internship and externship opportunities, McKinney was an easy choice. McKinney has been a great experience for me. I have been presented with many opportunities to network with the amazing Indiana legal community as well as chances to engage directly with city and county agencies.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

My favorite academic accomplishment has been the work that I have been able to do to expand Indiana’s commitment to reintegration. Ex-offenders are presented with a long and difficult road to re-entry and too often are left to face this journey alone. To assist these individuals, Professor Lahny Silva leads the Re-Entry and Community Help (“REACH”) program. The REACH program is designed to assist qualified supervisees in their transition back into the Indianapolis community with the goal of reducing the number of formerly incarcerated individuals who fail to successfully reintegrate. I was fortunate enough to have been selected for this program and through it I have been able to work with Federal judges and officers as well as use my legal education to help others.

Further, a group of McKinney students and I created the Second Chance Re-Entry Program (“SCRAP”) to bring the goals of REACH to the greater student body. All are welcome to join SCRAP and I hope to help take this new organization and us it to make an impact on the Indianapolis community.

My work in both REACH and SCRAP have been some of the most fulfilling experiences in my academic career.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

There seems to be a feeling of growth around Indianapolis, and it is amazing to be a part of it. Downtown is expanding and development is occurring everywhere. Being surrounded by this progress and development is inspiring. It is fun to see where Indianapolis is headed and being downtown makes for a great view.

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

During my first year in law school, I worked as an Intern at the Marion County Prosecutors Office. I also worked as a Summer Associate at Faegre Baker Daniels last summer, and I will be returning there this summer.

Along with REACH and SCRAP, I am the Scholarship Chair of the Black Law Student Association, Executive Managing Editor of the Indiana Law Review, and a member of the Deans Tutorial Society.