Major: B.A. in Political Science
Minor: Digital Media & Journalism
Mentors: Aisha Abdelmula, Elizabeth Broccoli
Programs: Macaulay Honors College, Honors Program, Grammy U
Fellowships: Watson Fellowship  L’Oréal USA Diverse Future Leaders Fellowship, Propel New York City Fellowship
Internships: Kevin Burke Productions, Judge Ingrid Joseph '78
Hometown: Grenada; Long Island, NY
Career Aspiration: Media/Entertainment Lawyer

What was life like before John Jay?
I’m the proud daughter of immigrants who came to this country from Grenada. While I was born and raised on Long Island, New York, Grenada played a huge role in my upbringing. A lot of my family still lives there, so I spent summers immersed in the history and culture of Grenada. It was there that my love for the arts and entertainment began. I learned to play the steel drums and competed in two national competitions.

Life in Baldwin, Long Island, was just as enriching. I lived in a diverse neighborhood, and my parents were very much involved in the community. In school, both my creative side and legal aspirations were nurtured. I joined theater, sang in the choir, and participated in moot court.

Why John Jay?
My parents are both CUNY alumni—dad went to Brooklyn College, and mom went to Medgar Evers College—so I understand the immense value of a CUNY education. While researching colleges, I attended an information session on John Jay and really liked what it offered in programs and support services for students. ­Once I visited the campus and met with people at the College, I instantly fell in love with John Jay.

In what ways did your mentors at the College help put you on the path to success?
Both Elizabeth Broccoli and Aisha Abdelmula have provided me with exceptional support. Ms. Broccoli has guided me in my pursuit of a career in law. She’s helped with my resume review and my approach to law school, the application process, and the type of law I’d like to practice. Through my conversations with her, I learned of and applied to the King County Supreme Court internship with Judge Ingrid Joseph '78.   

Ms. Abdelmua’s door is always open in the Honors lounge, and I can always stop by for a simple chat or to talk about learning opportunities. She’s been incredible, pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and expand my network. Because of Ms. Abdelmua’s encouragement, I’m now a Macaulay Honors student ambassador. In this role, I’m getting a chance to talk to prospective students and their parents. She’s also written letters of recommendation for me, including for the Watson Fellowship.

How has the Honors Program been pivotal in furthering your career aspirations?
Honors creates such a supportive environment for its students that you can’t help but feel empowered to reach your full potential. The program’s faculty and staff are just incredible. Ms. Abdelmua, Dr. Ray Patton, Ms. Fitz (Adrienne Fitzgerald), and Ms. Alana Philip encouraged me to apply for a Watson Fellowship. They were so helpful throughout the process, providing constructive feedback and lifting me with words of encouragement. When Ms. Philip learned I was named a fellow, she ran out of her office to congratulate me. Her excitement is a testament to how supportive and how much the staff at John Jay believe in their students.

What has the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship experience been like for you?
It’s been wonderful. As a Watson Fellow, I’m participating in loads of activities and programming, including workshops, orientations, and cultural and networking events to expand my horizons and learn how to achieve my goals.

I was matched with a partner organization—Kevin Burke Productions, Inc.—for my 2024 summer internship. I’m doing archival research, digitizing old photos, videos, and documents, and helping with materials for an upcoming documentary film. The experience has piqued my interest in how multimedia assets are licensed and deepened my understanding of copyright laws and intellectual property. I’m excited to be working directly with Mr. Burke, who is a historian and director of research at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. He's produced several podcasts, films, and shows like Finding Your Roots. I’ve been able to work in the production space, sit in on meetings, and offer my opinions.

Can you tell us about your internship with the Honorable Ingrid Joseph '78 at Kings County Supreme Court?
Judge Joseph was truly amazing and went out of her way to make sure I was part of everything that was going on in her office and courtroom. She offered me advice, provided pointers—like what I should look out for in different cases—and would let me sit in the meetings with lawyers. I saw justice in action. Something that stuck with me, and I admire so much, was how she approached each case with such humanity. She looked at the entire situation and used her position to help others.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself graduating from law school and becoming an entertainment attorney. I’d love to represent music artists and college athletes, fighting for their rights and equitable pay.