Maya Darville
Giancarlo Ceja
Javier Trujillo
Ashtyn McKenna Jackson
Henry Stephens IV
In celebration of our 2025 prelaw scholars
Abraham Alkhatib
Aylon Gipson
Connor Kaufmann
Vivian Sekandi
Carlos Pozuelo
Gabriela Ocampo Serrano
Kaleb Gorman
Sophi Gorman
Ian Surdell
Barnes & Thornburg
I Am
Brittny Sorrells
Taylor Hunter Indianapolis
Older sister to rock star brothers (twins) and blessed to have amazing parents A proud dog mom Spiritual and attend Traders Point Christian Church in downtown Indy Slightly obsessed with Top Chef, crime documentaries, and the podcast Criminal Embarrassed to admit I order ClusterTruck more than I cook Spontaneous when it comes to traveling and spur-of-the-moment adventures Happiest when I am in warm weather and outside An avid supporter of equality for all A glass half full type A born and raised Hoosier
I AM...
Taylor Hunter
Julie Veldman Harris
Julie Veldman Harris Columbus
A mom to Gabe (3) and Elaina (6 months) A wife to Mike, who I married about a year after meeting (online) – when you know, you know! An avid Notre Dame fan A Barnes & Thornburg lifer. I started as a summer associate and have worked in three offices, and truly love them all. A horseback rider and competitor A firm believer that “love is love” Extremely close to my (large and loud) family Excited to attend any sporting event A devoted friend. I had 12 bridesmaids who are all still my best friends, and I would have a few more to add if I were getting married today! Happiest when I am with my kids (and on a beach, if we are getting specific)
Alida Baldazo
Alida Baldazo Chicago
Half Dutch and half Mexican, and I always thought that was a unique combo Named after my Dutch great-great-aunt; nobody pronounces my name correctly, but I’m never offended by it Occasionally a stand-in for my husband’s social media projects at work and was on a billboard once An animal lover and self-proclaimed “cat lady”. I also have the sweetest pit bull ever. A major control freak and have to remind myself to “let it go” frequently All about camping, fishing and hiking and I go on annual kayak trips at Turkey Run Married to someone four inches shorter than me – without heels on A band geek at heart; I played clarinet for seven years, piano for a couple and now handbells in my church choir An avid concert-goer – I go to about 20 concerts a year A person with MAJOR anxiety. Agreeing to be featured here made me dizzy and my throat close up.
Angela B. Freeman
Audrey Gariepy-Bogui
Roscoe Howard
Monica Hampton
In Celebration Of black history month
Ron Gilbert
Back to I Am Barnes & Thornburg
Columbia University
Giancarlo Ceja Washington, D.C.
From the Inland Empire of Southern California Passionate about environmental justice A first-generation college graduate A public servant A clarinet player in an orchestra A concert go-er A Mexican-American Frequently trying new mom-and-pop restaurants In the top 1% of bike-share users in Washington, D.C. A changemaker
University of Southern California
Gloria Okwueze
Javier Trujillo Atlanta, GA
A Cuban-American immigrant A first-generation college graduate A superfan of the show Survivor A bookworm Part of the LGBTQ+ community Spiritual A horror movie fanatic A server at a Tapas restaurant A lover of philosophy; “I think, therefore I am”
Emory University
Ashtyn McKenna Jackson Greensboro, NC
Somone who was born and raised in North Carolina A member of the Omega Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. A Christian Someone who enjoys binge-watching TV shows in my free time A lover of cooking while listening to R&B music Passionate about social justice, inclusivity and fairness A lover of nature and spending quality time with friends and family Committed to walking with compassion, creating a safe space for others Someone who strives to become a lawyer who advocates for victims of injustice and mistreatment Motivated by seeing other black women successful in creating the life they want for themselves
Winston-Salem State University
Henry Stephens IV Durham, NC
A child of God Keenly interested in corporate social responsibility and civil rights law Someone who loves to dress well A person who enjoys the community of their friends A proud Georgia native The life of the party Someone who is passionate about serving others Tenacious, despite what life throws my way Someone who hopes to one day help close the racial wealth gap A person with a big heart and a bigger personality
Duke University
Vivian Sekandi Durham, NC
One of six siblings in a house where silence never stood a chance A first-generation immigrant who moved from Uganda at age six An advocate at heart, shaped by experience and driven by purpose A type A planner who lives by lists, calendars and color-coded chaos A bookworm who tracks every read—from romance to memoirs—on Goodreads A future human rights lawyer fighting for equity and justice A proud member of the Njovu (elephant) clan of the Baganda Kingdom in Uganda A lifelong learner who is always asking follow-up questions Someone who falls asleep during movies but can binge-watch a 10-season show On a mission to visit and learn from every country on the African continent
Connor Kaufmann El Paso, TX
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas A proud two-time Fighting Irishman (both in high school and university) A devout Roman Catholic An avid lover of cats and mice A proud only son and grandson A former épée fencer An amateur poet A Notre Dame Phi Beta Kappa Early Inductee A future immigration attorney A proud Latino
University of Notre Dame
Aylon Gipson Dallas, TX
A proud Morehouse Man A first-generation college student raised by my grandparents Someone who grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, with a deep appreciation for the legacy of civil rights An initiate of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. An aspiring M&A attorney with a passion for business and strategy A passionate advocate for voting rights and civic engagement Guided by faith, family and a vision for impact Someone who loves philosophy and questions that shape justice and truth Someone who loves reading A weekend golfer with big dreams and a humble handicap
Morehouse College
Abraham Alkhatib Chicago, IL
A nature lover A Shanghai native living in Chicago A late-stage caffeine addict Interested in the intersection of technology and law A novice triathlete A soon-to-be UIUC graduate #gofightingillini One-half Chinese and one-half Palestinian Always looking for my next backpacking destination Currently reading Lila: An Inquiry into Morals by Robert M. Pirsig A multifaceted student leader
University of Illinois
Carlos Pozuelo Chicago
A person who loves outdoor activities and going to the beach A live music fan of all kinds, but mostly rock and house music Family-oriented and like to visit family members in Ohio and Spain An avid sports fan, including soccer, football and basketball Someone who enjoys unwinding by cooking and listening to music
Michelle Rosario Washington, D.C.
Afro-Latina A Miamian (from Miami, FL) An adventure-seeker A foodie An aerialist
Lizzie Ford Indianapolis
Born and raised in Indiana Forever a Ball State Cardinal A person with a disability A huge Taylor Swift fan An animal-lover. I have two cats.
Lauren Hicks Indianapolis
A dog mom – while technically a pit mix, Buddy can be considered my child Always on the hunt for a new binge-worthy show A DIY house project nut Someone who loves trying new activities (songwriting, woodworking, etc.) Learning how to cook (work in progress)
Yusra Siddique Washington, D.C.
A globetrotter at heart who has explored 26 countries – I’m always seeking new horizons and diverse cultural experiences A passionate cook and host of themed dinners, turning meals into unforgettable celebrations A SoCal beach lover with a Pakistani heritage, blending cultures and embracing the best of both worlds An identical twin sister A sewing enthusiast, crafting ideas into stitched creations
