REI-DEI Fellowship aims to foster a balanced, collaborative learning experience that breaks down the silos between the various communities so that all of us can work together toward equity and inclusion. Fellows will include defenders, civil legal aid attorneys, clients/impacted community, and attorneys in the private sector that seek to launch, develop, or refine the use of DEI strategies to build a more equitable workplace or community. We will prioritize members of the BIPOC communities who apply for the program because one of our goals is to offer training and create a leadership pipeline for diverse NLADA community members.
REI-DEI Fellowship aims to foster a balanced, collaborative learning experience that breaks down the silos between the various communities so that all of us can work together toward equity and inclusion. Fellows will include defenders, civil legal aid attorneys, clients/impacted community, and attorneys in the private sector that seek to launch, develop, or refine the use of DEI strategies to build a more equitable workplace or community. We will prioritize members of the BIPOC communities who apply for the program because one of our goals is to offer training and create a leadership pipeline for diverse NLADA community members.
Name | Organization | City | State |
---|---|---|---|
Abrial Neely | State Appellate Defender Office (Michigan) | Detroit | MI |
Angelina Vaquera-Linke | Georgia Legal Services Program | Dalton | GA |
Christina Tavares | Defender Association of Philadelphia | Philadelphia | PA |
Diane James | The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland | Cleveland | OH |
Erin Donohue-Koehler | Georgia Justice Project | Atlanta | GA |
Evan Molinari | National Association of Counsel for Children | Cambridge | MA |
Faun Moses | Wisconsin Office of the State Public Defender | Madison | WI |
Jasmina Chuck | The Legal Aid Society | New York | NY |
Jennifer English | East River Legal Services | Sioux Falls | SD |
Kristianna Gasparjan | Pisgah Legal Services | Asheville | NC |
Laura Jones | Cuyahoga County Public Defender | Cleveland | OH |
Lejla Bajrami | The Legal Aid Society | New York | NY |
McKenzie Marks | Legal Aid Chicago | Chicago | IL |
Melody Woods | Kalamazoo Defender | Kalamazoo | MI |
Michelle Kezirian | Central California Legal Services | Fresno | CA |
Miriam Bankston | Federal Defender Office for the Middle District of Alabama | Montgomery | AL |
Octavia Day | GA Legal Services Program | Warner Robins | GA |
Samantha Galloway | Pisgah Legal Services | Asheville | NC |
Susan Coppedge | Georgia Legal Services Program | Atlanta | GA |
Suzanne Small | Greater Boston Legal Services and The Volunteer Lawyers Project | Boston | MA |
Terrika Tate | Northwestern Legal Services | Erie | PA |
Thaddeus K. Dean, Jr. | Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services dba Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan | Detroit | MI |
Toya Simon | Legal Services of the Virgin Islands | St. Thomas | VI |
Tyler Nicole Smith | Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles | Long Beach | CA |
Vanessa Bullock | West Tennessee Legal Services | Memphis | TN |
Vincent Smith | Legal Services of Northern Virginia | Fairfax | VA |
We are America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. There is no other legal organization that touches on all the access points of poverty as does NLADA.
Abrial Neely serves as an assistant defender at the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) in Michigan. She joined the Direct Appeals team at SADO in 2023 after graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She believes in combatting systemic racism and oppression through effective and empathetic advocacy.
Prior to law school, Abrial earned a BA in journalism from John Carroll University.
Outside of work, you can find her reading nonfiction at a local coffee shop, hanging out with her dog Bean, or working on her podcast or fashion blog.
Angelina Vaquera-Linke is the Pro Bono Coordinator for the Dalton office of Georgia Legal Services Program and has four years of experience in that role. Prior to joining Georgia Legal Services, Ms. Vaquera-Linke worked for almost 20 years in the non-profit field as a Program Manager in the areas of child abuse prevention, youth mentoring, and as a lobbyist working to promote legislation to improve the wellbeing of women and girls. She also has many years of experience as a volunteer assisting parents who have children with special needs, assisting with environmental conservation projects, and providing support for children who live in family crisis centers. She is a long-time member of Toastmasters International and is an award-winning public speaker, as well as a freelance essayist.
Ms. Vaquera-Linke is a graduate of Dalton State College. She lives in Dalton, Georgia with her husband, sons, two cats, and a mischievous puppy.
Christina Tavares is a dedicated professional currently serving in a dual capacity as Director of DEI and Social Service Advocate at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. With a career spanning over a decade in public service, Christina has demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving the lives of marginalized individuals.
Christina’s journey in advocating for the underprivileged began in 2012 when she joined the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Her work there has been nothing short of transformative, as she tirelessly conducts home, placement, and agency visits to evaluate and address the emotional, social, and educational needs of abused, neglected, and exploited youth. Her tenacity shines through as she navigates complex situations to secure vital resources for these vulnerable individuals.
Before her tenure at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Christina commenced her career as a Student Advisor for the Philadelphia School District, where she collaborated with a diverse team of interdisciplinary school staff. Together, they assessed a wide spectrum of issues affecting students, ranging from educational and social to cognitive, emotional, and substance abuse concerns. Christina’s dedication to intervention and support during this phase laid the foundation for her impactful career.
In her most recent role as a Director of DEI, Christina spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within her organization. Her commitment to social justice extends beyond the office, as she actively engages with various committees, including DEI Committee, Social Work Practice Committee, Autism in the Courts Committee, and the NAPD’s DEI and Racial Justice+ Committee. Christina more recently joined The Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania team as the Co- Chair Director for their Racial Justice Screening Series.
Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Service with a minor in Psychology, earned from Chestnut Hill College she also completed her certification of Diversity Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she exemplifies a strong sense of community engagement, volunteering her time at Expungement Clinics and Restorative Justice Initiatives in collaboration with the DA’s office. Christina is also a familiar face at various community events, where she provides essential resources related to housing, therapy, and substance abuse support.
In summary, Christina Tavares is a tireless advocate for justice, equity, and the welfare of those often overlooked by society. Her diverse experience, coupled with her unwavering dedication, make her a driving force for positive change in her community and beyond.
Ms. Donohue-Koehler is the Pro Bono Coordinator at the Georgia Justice Project. She oversees volunteer recruitment, develops and implements trainings for GJP legal volunteers, and manages GJP’s pro bono initiatives. She is the co-author of A Guide to Understanding and Correcting Criminal Records in Georgia. Ms. Donohue-Koehler also maintains a caseload, where her work focuses on helping her clients overcome barriers they have faced in accessing housing, employment, occupational licensing, and other critical areas as a result of their criminal record.
Erin has dedicated her legal career to standing with people, in order to effectuate change in the criminal legal system. Before starting her position at GJP, she served as a public defender in Fulton County for seven years. Erin is a graduate of Truman State University (2005) and Emory University School of Law (2011).
Evan Molinari is the Communications Manager of the National Association of Counsel for Children. NACC is a non-profit professional membership and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing justice for children and families—particularly those the child welfare system affects. Evan coordinates NACC’s communications, including web content and media relations. He also contributes to NACC’s Counsel for Kids campaign, which works to change and strengthen state laws to guarantee every young person involved in the child welfare system has legal representation.
Prior to NACC, Evan worked for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, where he amplified the voices of low-income residents in need of legal help, contributed to a team that increased state funding for civil legal aid, and was inspired by mentors to actively support diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
Evan earned a degree in history from Bates College, where he wrote a thesis on the struggle for Black liberation during the Second Red Scare. He interned for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine. Evan lives in Massachusetts and enjoys running, reading, writing, music, and playing softball.
Faun Moses joined the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office in the early 2000s as a volunteer in the administrative office. She then became an investigative intern while an undergraduate student at UW-Madison. After graduating, she worked as an Investigator in the Fond du Lac region from 2005 to 2007. She then attended UW-Madison Law School, where she worked with the Innocence Project, ACLU’s Capital Punishment Project, and interned in the SPD’s Madison Trial Office Adult and Juvenile Division, as part of the Defender Project. After law school, in 2010, Faun began working in the Madison Appellate office of the SPD. In recognition of her work and dedication to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients, she received the 2015 Up and Coming Lawyer Award, sponsored by the Wisconsin Law Journal.
In 2015, Faun started working in the Janesville Trial office of the SPD as a Local Attorney Manager and was subsequently promoted to Regional Attorney Manager of the Janesville Region, in 2017. In 2023, Faun became the Appellate Division Director.
Faun received her law degree from UW-Madison Law School and undergraduate degree in Sociology/certificate in Criminal Justice, from UW-Madison.
Jenny English (she/her) is a 2017 graduate of the Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University. After law school, she moved to South Dakota to take part in the South Dakota Rural Attorney Program, where she fell in love with the challenge and reward of serving rural communities. Over the next seven years, Jenny honed her skills, providing legal support to those who often face the greatest barriers to access.
Today, Jenny is a staff attorney at East River Legal Services, where she continues her work advocating for individuals in need of legal assistance. She also chairs the South Dakota State Bar’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, where she is passionate about fostering a more inclusive and representative legal profession.
Outside of work, Jenny loves diving into creative hobbies like fiber arts and enjoys exploring new places through travel. She lives in Salem, South Dakota with her husband and three cats. As a queer woman, Jenny is deeply committed to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, both professionally and personally, and strives to create spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Kristianna Gasparjan is the Pro Bono Coordinator at Pisgah Legal Services, where she assists low-income clients in accessing essential legal support. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology, along with a Master’s in Conflict Resolution, she strives to make a positive impact in her community.
Having emigrated to Germany as a child, Kristianna identifies as a third culture individual, which has shaped her understanding of diverse perspectives. She is passionate about humanitarian relief work, particularly in supporting refugees, and promoting equity, believing in the importance of building strong, inclusive communities.
Fluent in German, English, and French, as well as a beginner in Russian and Arabic, Kristianna values the connections that language fosters. She is committed to listening and learning from others, recognizing that each person’s story contributes to a richer understanding of the world.
In her role, Kristianna finds fulfillment in supporting those who need it most and is committed to competence, diversity, and a genuine interest in making a difference. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring different cultures and engaging with her community.
Laura Jones is an attorney who has dedicated her career advocating for the rights of the marginalized members of society. She has a bachelor’s degree in Children & Family Studies from Ohio University. Laura earned her law from Whittier Law School with an additional certificate for the Center of Children’s Rights. During law school, Laura worked as a legal intern at a small firm specializing in special education law for children with disabilities. Laura has been an Assistant Public Defender at the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office in Cleveland, Ohio for over 18 years. As a Public Defender, she has represented children and adults charged with criminal offenses as well as parents for whom the government was interfering in their parental rights. Laura was named Director of Training for the office in August 2024.
I have worked in public defense for the majority of my post-graduate career, starting as a forensic social worker and moving into management. I am currently Social Work Supervisor in the training unit of Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice. I am committed to continuing to improve the culture and the prioritizing DEI in every role I hold. Outside of work, I have been an adjunct lecturer in an MSW program and spend my free time traveling and running marathons. I also volunteer for an organization that provides free surgical services and community support in impoverished countries around the world. I try to look through an intersectional lens in every aspect of my life, and I’m excited to participate in this fellowship to enhance DEI values in my personal and professional life.
McKenzie Marks joined Legal Aid Chicago in May 2021 as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, McKenzie is responsible for a broad range of HR matters including compensation, employee relations, labor relations, training, and strategic planning. McKenzie also chairs the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. McKenzie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University and an MBA.
Melody Woods serves as the Village Operations Director for Kalamazoo County Defender, Inc. (KCDI), where she has spent the last 2.5 years building the Village, KCDI’s service hub. Under her leadership, the Village has become a collaborative space that brings together social workers, mitigation specialists, and community service providers, creating a supportive environment for clients navigating legal challenges while accessing essential resources.
Before her role at KCDI, Melody was the Community Outreach and Life Enrichment Program Coordinator at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). In this position, she developed and managed programs aimed at Workforce Development in urban neighborhoods, focusing on life skills, essential skills, and employment readiness training to address the root causes of job loss. Her initiatives not only facilitated the transition of graduates into sustainable employment but also worked to modify hiring practices in local companies, encouraging them to welcome applicants with criminal records.
Melody is deeply passionate about advocating for individuals facing systemic barriers and is dedicated to dismantling these obstacles. She actively contributes to various community groups and initiatives, currently serving on the Kalamazoo County Opioid Coalition, the Overdose Fatality Review Team, the Kalamazoo County ID Advisory Board, and the Campaign for Criminal Justice and Transparency Team. Her impactful work has not gone unnoticed; she was nominated for West Michigan’s Woman of the Year award in 2021 and was the runner-up in the Brilliant Connector category.
Beyond her professional commitments, Melody has devoted hundreds of hours to community service, including nearly seven years leading her church’s Community Impact Team. In her personal life, she cherishes time spent with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She enjoys exploring and photographing Michigan’s stunning landscapes, cheering for the University of Michigan and Detroit Lions, and unwinding with a good book.
Miriam Bankston is a dedicated mitigation specialist with five years of experience, currently serving as the Chief Investigator for the Habeas Unit at the Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Alabama. Known for her dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to her clients. Miriam frequently conducts workshops and training at both national and local levels, focusing on client-centered communication around trauma, navigating complex diagnoses, and other vital topics.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Arizona State University in 2014, then began her career at a Level 1 residential treatment center in Phoenix, where she worked with adolescents facing complex mental health, behavioral, and emotional challenges, including trauma, substance abuse, and sexual behavior issues. While working there, she returned to ASU for her Master’s in Social Work, gaining specialized certification in treating sexually abusive youth through the Kempe Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. After completing her MSW, she spent a year as a therapist for adolescents with sexually maladaptive behavior, further enhancing her skills through training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy.
Since joining the Federal Defender’s Office in 2019, Miriam has worked as an investigator in the Capital Habeas Unit and has earned a Forensic Social Work certification from the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. She currently leads the Capital Unit as Chief Investigator, bringing a nuanced, trauma-informed approach to her work with clients and their families. Miriam was a 2021-2022 participant in the ACLU’s Scharlette Holdman Mitigation Mentorship Program. In 2024, Miriam was honored with the Emerging Leader Award from Advancing Real Change Inc., recognizing her as a mitigation specialist who embodies the future of the profession.
My name is Octavia Day. I am the Benefits Hotline Paralegal with GA Legal Services Program. I assist Medicare recipients with applying for core benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.). I am currently the facilitator of our Communities of Color affinity group, which is my introduction to race equity. I enjoy reading and listening to music. I enjoy working with GA Legal, helping our residents all over the states of GA. I am hoping this fellowship will expand my knowledge so I and bring it back to my affinity group.
Fun fact: My name means eight in German, my parents had 8 children, and I am child number 5
Samantha Winn Galloway is an experienced HR leader with over a decade of expertise in employee engagement, compliance, and facilities management. As Director of Human Resources at Pisgah Legal Services, she oversees the Human Resources Department for an organization of 123 staff across 21 locations, focusing on workplace culture, strategic planning, and employee development.
With SPHR certification and a background in payroll, benefits, and multi-state compliance, Samantha brings a practical, results-driven approach to HR leadership. She collaborates closely with executive teams on key initiatives, balancing organizational goals with employee well-being.
Sam is former collegiate athlete and active basketball official in the NCAA and enjoys staying active and playing sand volleyball.
Suzanne Small is a client advocate who lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Suzanne uses her platform to advocate for social justice, health equity, and mental health advocacy. She serves on the boards of Greater Boston Legal Services and the Volunteer Lawyers Project and is on the NLADA Civil and Client Council. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to learn and to be educated on self-advocacy. Suzanne is a Community Health Worker and Certified Peer Specialist Suzanne is also a poet and published author of a book of poems, “Reaching for Inner Peace.” She loves to meet new people, travel and share experiences filled with love, happiness, and spirit.
Terrika Tate is the Administrative Coordinator and DEIB Officer at the nonprofit law firm Northwestern Legal Services headquartered in Erie, PA, where she has worked for over 20 years. She is a 2017 graduate of Edinboro University (now Penn West Edinboro) with a BA in Specialized Studies (English/Writing/Journalism, Spanish, Communications, and Education). She participates in many roles throughout the administration of the program, which include marketing, communications, resource development, recruitment, retention, training, and board management. She is passionate about nonprofits and DEIB work and is working to bake these initiatives into the cake of her organization.
Terrika is a native of Erie, PA, but has lived in numerous cities and states. She speaks, reads, and writes in Spanish. She also has a minor in Voice and has been an active member of her church’s choirs and school choirs since she was four. In her spare time, you can find her writing, reading, arts & crafts, shooting darts, braiding hair, watching her favorite sci-fi/fantasy/horror shows, cooking, baking (terrikastreats.com) and dancing. In fact, with a background in ballet, tap, and jazz, she teaches soul line dancing in Erie three days a week (facebook.com/groups/eelinedance).
Thaddeus K. Dean, Jr., is the Executive Director for Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan (NLSM). NLSM partners with individuals, families, and organizations in Michigan to foster resilient communities through barrier-breaking advocacy for justice and equality for all. As a staple in the community for over 57 years, NLSM has provided legal, housing advocacy and outreach services for numerous community stakeholders, including the unhoused, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and seniors. NLSM also provides students with educational enrichment in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
As a graduate of Western Michigan University (BA, Criminal Justice) and Central Michigan University (MSA, Public Administration), Thaddeus has dedicated his professional career to public service, including more than 20 years as a state and federal probation officer. A staunch advocate of social service outreach and public service initiatives, Thaddeus has previously volunteered as a board member for organizations committed to improving the lives of the underprivileged. As a champion of people, Thaddeus remains invested in building great leaders within organizations he has served. He stands on the shoulders of family members and professional colleagues equally committed to social service and legal advocacy efforts and lives by the motto, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Tyler Nicole Smith is the Managing Attorney of the Veterans Justice Center at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.
For the Veterans Justice Center, Tyler Nicole supervises a group of passionate advocates who lead the charge in fighting for veterans’ advocacy, providing direct representation, and operating legal clinics to help all former service members receive government benefits, overcome barriers to employment and housing, and prevent homelessness.
Tyler Nicole is the creator of the Veterans of Color Advocacy Project, the nation’s first legal services project dedicated to veterans of color and the removal of criminal justice barriers through pro bono support. Following a grant award from LSC’s Pro Bono Innovation fund, this project has assisted more than 200 Veterans remove hundreds of barriers caused by their criminal record.
Prior to becoming Managing Attorney of the Veterans Justice Center, Tyler Nicole served as a staff attorney in LAFLA’s , Restoring Communities Workgroup’s Project imPACT, where she focused on removing legal barriers caused by criminal backgrounds.
Prior to joining LAFLA, Tyler Nicole was a staff attorney at the Community Legal Aid of So Cal’s Clean Slate Unit where she provided full scope representation to clients seeking assisting with clearing their criminal record. To assist in expanding the work statewide, Tyler Nicole developed CA legal services first Clean Slate Training Manual and supervised UC Irvine’s Clean Slate Clinics.
Before beginning her career in nonprofit legal services, Tyler Nicole served as a criminal defense attorney defending adult and juvenile defendants in felony and misdemeanor, DUI, rape, assault, drug, and theft cases.
Tyler Nicole obtained her bachelor’s degree in economics from Spelman College in Atlanta, and received her Juris Doctorate with a concentration in trial and appellate advocacy from Suffolk University Law School in Boston.
Vanessa Bullock is West Tennessee Legal Services’ Director of Special Projects. As Director of Special Project, Ms. Bullock works to oversee a variety of grants that provide holistic legal services to special populations, such as the elderly and veterans. Ms. Bullock also supervises West Tennessee Legal Services’ HUD funded projects, which include the Mid-South Housing Counseling Project, for which WTLS serves as a national intermediary, a statewide Fair Housing Initiative Program Private Enforcement Initiative Project, and a statewide Eviction Prevention Project.
Ms. Bullock received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi and Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi, School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Tennessee. She has lectured on fair housing rights throughout Tennessee and has represented complainants in housing discrimination cases. In addition to her Fair Housing work, Ms. Bullock has assisted low-income residents in West Tennessee with other civil legal representation in areas impacting their housing stability, including homeownership and rental housing issues.