High School Girls Inspired by Women in Law Event
Nearly two dozen young women representing Corcoran, Henninger, ITC, Nottingham, and PSLA at Fowler recently headed to the Onondaga County Courthouse.Hosted by the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), the Central New York Women’s Bar Association (CNYWBA), and the Fifth Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee, the girls – all interested in pursuing work in the legal field – were there to enjoy a Women in Law program. Designed to introduce girls to the field of law and educate them on the varied and vast careers available in the legal field, the opportunity invited girls to hear from panelists about their professions, their personal journeys, and their experiences in the legal field. Students heard from esteemed Justices of the Supreme Court, a Syracuse City Court Judge, the Commissioner of Jurors, the ADR Coordinator, a Deputy Chief Court Clerk, a Court Officer, a Law Librarian, a Court Reporter, a private practitioner, and an attorney with the Center for Justice Innovation.
ITC sophomore Malia Adams has wanted to be a lawyer since she saw the movie Legally Blonde for the first time in 6th grade. Now, Malia serves as the President of the ITC sophomore class and is developing an interest in entering politics.
“The Women in Law event opened my eyes to the experience of working in the field of law,” she explained. “I don’t know exactly how to describe it, but it felt comfortable to be there in the court house. It really re-enforced that this is something I want to do.”
Malia noted that she and her peers learned that some court hearings are open to the public – and now, she is eager to be able to get a first-hand look at how the judicial process plays out.
Classmate Sanai Everson, a freshman at ITC, is passionate about becoming an environmental attorney.
“This experience helped me a lot,” she shared. “I didn’t know what I should study in college to enter the field I’m hoping to pursue, but now I’m thinking of studying political science so I can be versatile. Watching the news and seeing how our current leaders don’t seem to care about the environment, I feel passionate that we need to make more laws and regulations to stop taking the Earth for granted. It can survive without us – but we need the Earth to be healthy so we can survive, and so future generations can survive! Seeing so many women in power as attorneys, judges and more was so nice to see. It made me feel like that could be me one day.”
Many of the panelists spoke of just that – their journey to where they are now. At least two of the professionals are former SCSD students; and they, along with others, spoke words of encouragement to the young women.
Syracuse City Court Judge Staci Dennis-Taylor, for instance, graduated from Corcoran in 2003. She said it was an honor to speak with the current SCSD students – even those who may not pursue work in the legal field.
“The law directly impacts the lives of every single person who lives here,” she reflected. “Even if students don’t feel called to be lawyers or public servants, I want them to know there are resources to help navigate what can be a confusing and daunting system. It was surreal and a dream come true [to speak with the students]. I could see 15-year-old Staci sitting in the same seats, soaking up the positivity in the room. I was intentional with the audience – I wanted the young women to know they were heard, seen, and respected. I was excited that so many students asked the panelists questions. I hope for every student to have an opportunity to know the law, and their rights under the law. I believe it’s my responsibility to do what I can to help them.”
ITC freshman Kimora Davis has an interest in becoming a corporate lawyer, the result of watching TV shows featuring them.
“The experience allowed us to get an accurate representation of what it’s like to work in the field of law,” she said. “It’s harder than you’d think – definitely harder than we see on TV. It was inspiring, because I feel like often, women aren’t taken seriously. You see a lot of men in these roles, so it was really uplifting to see women telling their stories and encouraging us.”
PSLA sophomore Isis Davis agreed. Isis shared that she’s interested in becoming a lawyer, having been told by many that she’s a strong advocate.
“I stand up for myself and others,” she said, noting her interest in pursuing family law or criminal law. “It was interesting to hear about other peoples’ experiences in law – especially women! I liked being able to hear their life stories and how they became lawyers. Seeing people who have been working in the field for so long and hearing what they overcame really inspired me. It was really empowering to see a group of successful women – especially women of color. They told us to pursue our passions, no matter what – because as women, we can achieve anything!”
Even for the few who don’t necessarily hope to work in the legal field, the Women in Law event served as a motivator as they plan for their future.
PSLA junior Saadio Abdikadir studies in her school’s NNDCC Career and Technical Education pathway and has ambitions of becoming a surgeon.
“I wanted to attend just because it’s nice to see and hear from women in higher places,” she said. “It showed me that just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean that I can’t work my way up into whatever I want to do. They encouraged us to always do our best so it can set us ahead. Hearing from [New York State Court Officer] Sargeant Ebony Ramos was my favorite. She was just promoted to Sargeant; while I was just promoted to a NNDCC officer. Seeing her move up through the ranks reminded me that I can do it, too.”
Thank you to all the professionals who gave their time to support and encourage our young women at the Women in Law event!
