What are one or two of your greatest business and/or community achievements?

My most meaningful achievement is my volunteer legal work. Through pro bono service, I have helped individuals obtain divorces, prepared wills, and provided legal advice during vulnerable moments of their lives. As an attorney, I understand the importance of access to justice, and as a single mother, I understand firsthand that quality legal representation is often financially out of reach.

I do not meticulously track this work; I measure its value by impact rather than recognition. It is priceless knowing that I have helped even one person in need. That impact reinforces why I do this work and reminds me that meaningful change often begins with helping a single individual. I am committed to making legal services more accessible within my community.

My second greatest achievement is my work as a juvenile public defender. In this role, I help young people see possibilities beyond their current circumstances and empower them to write new chapters of their lives. Our youth are our future, and early intervention and mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

My goal in working within the juvenile justice system is to reduce youth recidivism by addressing the underlying factors that bring youth into the system. Through advocacy, mentorship, and resources, I advocate for support, connection, and correction for our youth. Accountability paired with guidance are essential to breaking cycles of criminal behavior and incarceration. I am passionate about creating a better future for our youth.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do for a living?

Helping people is my favorite part of what I do. The court system is often complicated and intimidating. As a child, I saw how access to legal knowledge—or the lack of it—can significantly influence outcomes. Those early experiences led to my decision to pursue a career in law. My goal has always been to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I am grateful to serve as a guide for clients during uncertain and stressful times. Being able to help them understand their options, to advocate on their behalf, and to see them leave with greater clarity and confidence about the future is the most rewarding aspect of my work.

You’ve built a practice rooted in advocacy, shaped by your lived experience and resilience. What’s one way your personal journey has directly changed how you serve clients and fight for them?

I’ll be honest. I’m a domestic abuse survivor, and the trauma and rebuilding from that taught me strength, grace, and forgiveness. I believe that that translates in my work. Again, I’m resilient, and I take a trauma-informed approach to my clients, to understanding that they’re going through things. They need help in their vulnerable moments, and I’m glad that I can help them.