- Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in Western Maryland, and always knew that I wanted to stay in the area. Growing up in poverty, I had a stroke of great luck when I got a full ride to college at the age of 14. As an undergraduate at Mary Baldwin College I studied philosophy and political science. After graduating at 18, I moved to the Northeast before going to Harvard Law School. While at Harvard Law I protected low-income clients from eviction and foreclosure at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, and focused my studies on the law in Appalachia. After graduating I was awarded the Skadden Fellowship to represent low-income workers with employment and anti-discrimination claims at Mountain State Justice. I then was a staff attorney at Legal Aid of West Virginia. I know from experience that the law can be used to silence people without power, or to help level the playing field so that everyone can live freely, safely and with dignity. I’m passionate about finding creative ways to use the legal system to advance justice for all people, and I’m excited to do that at the ACLU.
- What about the ACLU’s mission most resonates with you?
I’m moved by the ACLU’s commitment to the principal that rights aren’t just earned when they’re acknowledged by courts, and instead sees that there are innate rights we all have as people no matter who disagrees. Whether we’re offensively trying to solidify and expand those rights, or defensively trying to protect their erosion, I’m proud to be working with an organization that sees and values that innate dignity.
- What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I really look forward to working with the team of amazing coworkers here at the ACLU of West Virginia and working with West Virginians from different walks of life across the state. It takes a lot of committed people from different walks of life to push for a more just community, and I’m excited to be a part of that group.
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a sucker for workplace comedies – I love Parks & Rec and Superstore. I’m working on reading all of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries, but also have a soft spot for books about child development and histories of the Appalachian region. Most nights I’m hanging out with my family and our cat (Scout) and puppy (Ravioli). My favorite hobby is ice skating, even though I’m not particularly good at it!