Fordham Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) honored 10 alumni and the dean of the Law School, Matthew Diller, as “trailblazers” who have transformed the legal profession for Black lawyers and law students.
“Our Alumni Trailblazers Award Ceremony is a very special event because nominees are nominated and reviewed by students, reflecting values they aspire to as future attorneys,” said BLSA President Raissa Ebeh ’25. “This year’s ceremony was deeply impactful, thanks to the inclusive participation of our entire community. The event was planned by students and administrators, and awards were presented by BLSA e-board members, BLSA 1Ls, upperclassmen, alumni, and sponsors, making it a truly memorable event.”
Held in person for the first time since its inception in 2021, the BLSA Alumni Trailblazers Award Ceremony recognizes members of the Fordham Law community for their professional accomplishments and dedication to paving and blazing trails for future generations of Black lawyers.
“I recognize that I stand here before you on the shoulders of giants—and those giants are the BLSA members and the Black student body that attended this prestigious law school before me and went on to have amazing legal careers,” said Vincent Fuller II ’17, one of this year’s trailblazers. “I recognize that, and I’m truly appreciative and hope to one day be that giant for some of you in this room.”
Fellow trailblazer Willajeanne F. McLean ’86 offered this advice to the more than 150 people in attendance, “All of you already have heard my philosophy about walking into rooms when doors open and checking out opportunities that you might not have known existed. Let me add to that. Do not let fear keep you from the challenge in that room.”
“Fear is healthy,” she added. “It keeps one honest, and from getting too cocky. But never forget that you are more than capable enough for the task ahead. I, for one, look forward to seeing and hearing about the trails you blaze.”
Diller was presented with the Distinguished Trailblazer Honoree award in recognition of his work as dean to foster greater diversity at Fordham Law and in the legal profession. In his speech, he commended BLSA for its impact at the Law School over the last 51 years and extended his congratulations to the honorees. “BLSA is part of the bedrock of Fordham Law School. It’s a key cornerstone institution for us that builds community and that advocates for just causes,” said Diller. “To all of you honorees and the honorees in years past who’ve done so much already, I’m excited to see what you’re going to do in the future. And to all of you students, you’re going to be out there soon too; it won’t take you a long time.
“This is my last semester as dean and I look forward to working with you all as a member of the faculty,” Diller added. “The work I’ve done with BLSA and the work I’ve done on these issues [related to race, diversity, equity, and inclusion]is, to me, amongst the most satisfying that I have done in my career. I am grateful and indebted to all of you for it.”
This year’s trailblazers included:
- Audrey Naana Abayena ’17, minister/deputy head of mission of Ghana to Senegal
- Jojo Annobil ’90, CEO of Immigrant Justice Corps
- Jennifer Jones Austin ’93, CEO and executive director of Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
- Matthew Diller, Dean and Paul Fuller Professor of Law at Fordham Law School
- Veronica N. Dunlap ’14, deputy executive director of ACLU of Maryland
- Vincent Fuller II ’17, associate at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
- Khasim Lockhart ’18, associate at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
- Willajeanne F. McLean ’86, distinguished professor of law at University of Connecticut School of Law
- Keiyana Fordham Pilson ’10, late owner of Pilson Law Group (awarded posthumously)
- Ritha Pierre ’11, deputy general counsel of RiseBoro Community Partnership
- Justina K. Rivera ’10, general counsel and deputy comptroller at New York City Office of the Comptroller
BLSA also recognized these Law School community members for their work and dedication to changing the legal profession:
- Aysha Ames, director of legal writing, and Associate Professor Caroline Gentile, who each received the Professor of the Year Award
- Shanelle Holley, director of conference services, and Morgan Benedit, assistant director of conference services, who each received the Staff of the Year Award
- Deanna Bassaragh ’25, BLSA secretary, who received the Student of the Year Award
- Bolaji Ekhator ’24, former BLSA alumni relations co-chair, who received the Drew Valentine Student Service Award
- Afrika Owes ’24, former BLSA president and current Student Bar Association director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, who received the Most Supportive 3L Award
- Rian Morrissey ’24, BLSA professional development co-chair, who received both the Drew Valentine Student Service Award and Most Supportive 3L Award
The BLSA e-board also expressed gratitude to this year’s sponsors—White & Case, Clifford Chance, Andersen, Fordham Law Alumni Association, Young Lawyers Division of the New York State Bar, TITÙN Cocktails, Uncle Nearest, and Office of the Chief Diversity Officer at Fordham University—whose support made the evening possible.
View more photos from the event:
