From student-athlete to OIP advocate

Hailing from Beavercreek, Ohio, Anderson's academic trajectory was far from conventional, marked by pivotal moments, challenges and unwavering determination.

As a new cum laude graduate of Wright State University with a degree in political science, Anderson’s academic journey was shaped by her passion for college soccer and a deep commitment to her studies.

Despite the curveballs life threw her way, including a new marriage and baby during her undergraduate years, Anderson persevered, adding courses and activities to her schedule, often with her baby and stroller in tow.

Anderson's transition to UC marked the beginning of a new chapter in her journey. Despite initial aspirations to attend law school in the South, the onset of the pandemic redirected her focus closer to home. Turning down an offer to Ohio State University, Anderson instead accepted the offer from UC’s College of Law as a pre-admit to the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP), where her passion for justice and advocacy found the perfect fit.

While many students experience pervasive funding inequities across the nation, Anderson said it was quite the opposite for her at UC.

Prior to starting her first-year classes, and under the advice of UC Dean of Admissions Cassandra Jeter-Bailey, Anderson applied for, and received, the Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Scholarship from the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, based on her plans to work in civil rights while in law school.

Soon after revealing her leadership chops as a representative for the Black Law Student Association, Anderson received the prestigious Florence Straus Fabe Scholarship for her legal aptitude and bringing her diverse talents to the university. Following that, Anderson successfully garnered the Robert P. Goldman Endowed Scholarship awarded to second-year students.

Not stopping there, Anderson quickly added the Student Bar Association and Student Ambassadors program to her list of activities before attracting more funding. This time, from the William A McClain Scholarship through the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati and finally the Brendamour Scholarship for a young parent with high scholastic achievement — all totaling more than $15,000 — helping her hone her legal skills and to further advocate for meaningful change in the legal system.

“I am so incredibly grateful for the financial support I received as I pursued my legal education,” Anderson said. “Because of my scholarships, I have been able to stay involved on campus and take trips associated with my leadership roles while still taking care of my family’s needs.”

Armed with resolve and financial support, Anderson went on to enter the Midwest Black Student Mock Trial competition, where she and her team qualified for the nationals.

“My coach at the time was Samantha Silverstein, who later became a judge in Cincinnati,” Anderson recounted with pride. “She helped guide us through the whole competition process and encouraged me to get involved in a local case competition sponsored by Keating, Muething and Klekamp,” where Anderson and her partner won first place, closing out an exciting first year.

Driven by a desire to address wrongful convictions and systemic injustices, Anderson immersed herself in the OIP in her second year, where she worked tirelessly on behalf of those wrongfully accused. That strong dedication eventually bore fruit when one of her clients was released in December 2022.

“While studying for an exam, I got the call that he was exonerated, and the lead attorney invited me to go to Cleveland with him to see our client get released,” Anderson said.

As a result of more than 50 hours of pro bono experiences throughout law school, Anderson received UC’s William S. Richardson Champions for Public Service and Pro Bono Recognition Award as she graced her law school graduation stage last week in Nippert Stadium.