About

My journey into the criminal law field began when I was incarcerated for several months. Behind bars, I witnessed the stark realities of our criminal legal system. From the criminalization of poverty and mental health disorders to inhumane conditions and the lack of access to adequate legal resources, my time exposed me to the flaws deeply ingrained in our legal system. I began working as a “jailhouse lawyer,” assisting other incarcerated people with their cases and advocating for better conditions of confinement. Most of the people I helped lacked formal education and understanding of the law. Many had mental health or substance use disorders. Yet, amidst the countless challenges they faced, I found an unassailable sense of camaraderie and heard inspiring stories of perseverance and resilience. My experience in jail has fueled my passion for criminal legal reform, inspiring me to pursue a career as a public interest attorney. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Memphis two years early. I was a recipient of the Dean’s Merit Scholarship and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. For the last two years, I have worked as an investigator and legal assistant at Stevie Phillips Law, PLLC, a criminal defense law firm in Chattanooga. I am involved in several nonprofit organizations. I serve on the Board of Directors of Chattanoogans in Action for Love, Equality, and Benevolence (CALEB), which advocates primarily for criminal legal reform. Previously, I was the chair of CALEB’s Criminal Justice Task Force, where I led initiatives aimed at addressing injustices in the criminal legal system. Additionally, I serve on the governance committee of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network, which promotes the education and empowerment of formerly incarcerated people through a collective community.

My experience behind bars not only exposed me to the problems within the criminal legal system but has also instilled in me a deep commitment to advocate for meaningful reform. I plan to attend law school in the fall of 2024 and eventually work in the public interest field. My goal is to leverage my unique perspective to zealously advocate for criminal legal reform, amplifying the voices of those impacted by the criminal legal system.