Please provide a description of your practice.

I am a 3L at UIC Law and currently serve as a Law Clerk in the Multiple Defendant Division of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. I hold a 711 license, allowing me to provide direct representation to clients under attorney supervision. My responsibilities include contributing to trial strategy, drafting motions and responses for hearings, and supporting supervising attorneys in preparing for court. I also regularly observe proceedings and meet with clients to update them on case developments and discuss available legal options. This experience has given me practical, hands-on exposure to high-stakes criminal litigation and has strengthened my commitment to client-centered advocacy!

Why are you a member of the WBAI?

I am a member of WBAI because I am deeply committed to advocating for women’s educational rights and entitlements. Throughout history, women have faced significant barriers to education, often denied the same opportunities as men. These disparities have limited women’s potential in many fields, including law. WBAI provides a vital platform for mentorship, empowerment, and advocacy, and I want to contribute to creating spaces where women can thrive and break down these historical barriers. By being part of this community, I aim to support the advancement of women in the legal profession and continue the fight for educational equality and empowerment.

What do you think is the best way to empower women in law?

The best way to empower women in law is to create an environment that fosters mentorship, equal opportunities, and support at every stage of their careers. This includes advocating for fair representation, addressing gender biases, and ensuring equal access to professional development. Building networks that facilitate collaboration, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds, can make a significant impact. Encouraging women to take leadership roles and providing spaces for them to share experiences strengthens the collective voice and influence of women in law.

Representation truly matters, especially for women with learning disabilities. As someone who struggled to find role models who learned differently, I understand the importance of seeing others who share similar experiences. Representation validates our struggles and demonstrates that success is achievable despite the challenges. For women with learning disabilities, seeing others in the legal profession who have overcome similar obstacles provides hope and guidance, showing that we too belong and can thrive.

What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally?

As the Philanthropy Chair for the Women’s Law Caucus at UIC Law, I’m excited to focus on initiatives that support and empower women both within the legal community and beyond. I look forward to collaborating with WBAI to organize events and drives that raise awareness and funds for causes aligned with our mission, such as promoting women’s access to education, advocating for gender equality, and supporting women in the legal profession.

One cause I’m particularly passionate about is WINGS, an organization that provides a pathway to independence for individuals whose lives have been disrupted by domestic violence. Established in 1985, WINGS started as a non-profit housing agency and has since expanded to offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, and a range of vital services, including counseling, legal assistance, mentoring, life skills support, and career services.

By connecting survivors with the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives, WINGS helps families escape the cycle of violence and work towards self-sufficiency. Their mission to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy aligns with the values I strive to support in my work with the Women’s Law Caucus.

Through these efforts, I aim to build stronger connections within our community while making a tangible impact on the issues that matter. I’m also eager to collaborate with fellow members to foster a spirit of giving, collaboration, and advocacy that not only helps those in need but also inspires others to contribute and make a difference.

Tell us something interesting about you.

I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a double major in Political Science and Communication, completing my degree in three years, and received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. My legal experience includes working with the UPLC, where I helped inform underserved communities about The Just Housing Amendment, contributed to a class action lawsuit addressing inhumane prison conditions, and worked on housing and eviction cases. As a legal intern at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, I helped research and draft an Amicus brief for the Supreme Court’s Grant Pass case, advocating against the criminalization of homelessness. I also worked on various housing and eviction cases. Additionally, I externed with Justice Joy Cunningham at the Illinois Supreme Court, gaining valuable legal research experience. At UIC Law, I have held several leadership roles, including Community Health Commissioner for the Student Bar Association, Student Representative for LexisNexis, Trial and Arbitration Team Member for the Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Program, President of the Divergent Law Student Caucus, Philanthropy Chair for the Women’s Law Caucus, Social Media Chair for Lawyers Out Laughing, and Vice President of the Fashion & Beauty Law Society. Outside of law, I enjoy sailing, skiing, sudoku, stand-up comedy, running, traveling, hiking, and Toastmasters. I also love spending time with my 7-year-old Labradoodle, Moose, and my 2-year-old Goldendoodle, Fish.

Interested in being featured by WBAI? Members may submit an application to be considered for a feature.