Law News Releases
FAMU Law’s Rachel Smith Receives Joel Stern DEI Pipeline Scholarship
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For Immediate Release
October 20, 2022
ORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law second-year student Rachel Smith is the recipient of the Joel Stern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship.
"I am extremely grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Smith. “It has been a challenging year for me. This award is special because it will allow me to focus on my education, and will grant me the opportunity to continue to be a part of a plan to foster diversity in the legal field. I am beyond grateful."
The Plant City, Florida native attended the George Floyd memorial service in Minnesota and was inspired to pursue a career in law. After experiencing major health challenges within her family, Smith considered pursuing a legal career to focus on inequities in social justice and healthcare.
The $10,000 award is sponsored by the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). The Joel Stern Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship provides financial support to students who contribute to the diversity of their law school student body as they pursue their legal career.
“Meeting lawyers at the George Floyd memorial service taught Rachel that each lawyer was a storyteller for their community when they advocated for the needs of their clients,” said Marie Maurice, scholarship committee chair. “She strives to tell someone’s story through advocacy work. Rachel’s sincerity and openness about her struggles and goals was inspiring. We are happy to support Rachel on her journey with the NAMWOLF Joel Stern Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pipeline Scholarship.”
The scholarship program is open to second- and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, LGBT and female students. Any other second and third-year law students who come from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity, regardless of race or gender, are eligible to apply.