Mark Sherman Law Juvenile Justice Scholarship Winners
The Law Offices of Mark Sherman wants to reward and recognize individuals such as Abdi who are making a real difference in the world of Juvenile Justice! For more information on the Juvenile Justice Scholarship, you can visit our page here.
2023 Scholarship Winner: Abdi Lopez
My name is Abdi Lopez, and I am an incoming law student at Arizona State University Law School. I grew up in the Sonoran Desert in the agricultural towns around the Arizona-Mexico border. This unique location offered me a rich, bicultural upbringing that shaped my views on justice and equity, fueling my passion for law. Throughout my educational journey, I’ve been deeply involved in advocacy and community service, focusing on issues affecting underrepresented communities and establishing two nonprofit movements: APS Phoenix and Justice Work USA. This commitment has led me to pursue a career in law, where I intend to specialize in civil rights and public interest law to serve and empower those without a voice.
Reaction Statement: “I am honored and immensely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the scholarship from the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. Winning this scholarship is not only a financial relief as I embark on my law studies, but it boosts my confidence and reinforces my commitment to achieving my educational and career goals at ASU Law. This support allows me to focus more on my studies and less on financial constraints, bringing me one step closer to becoming an advocate for those who need it most. I am excited for the opportunities that this scholarship will help unlock and am motivated to give back to the community that continues to support my aspirations.”
2022 Scholarship Winner: Elijah Mercer
Growing up in Newark, New Jersey has always made me eager to change the criminal justice system. After graduating from American University in 2012, I became a Teach for America Corps Member in Baltimore City. This strengthened my passion for learning more about the connection between the school to prison pipeline and the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Thereafter, I worked in analytical roles within the criminal justice system at the New York Police Department, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, and even Facebook. Ultimately, I decided to start my own consulting business called Data for JustUS. I get to put my passion into practice by working with nonprofit and government organizations using data to drive results for marginalized communities. Now as a first semester Data Science and Information Systems master’s student at University of California – Berkeley, I am excited to expand my technical skills to further help and uplift marginalized communities. Outside of work and school, I also volunteer with the OK Program of Oakland, California on Saturdays where I get to mentor young black men.
Reaction Statement: “I was completely floored! As someone who grew up in a troubling and crime ridden neighborhood, I truly want to help and assist other juveniles in similar situations. This scholarship will allow me to continue to further my education, and my desire to use data and research to drive results in the criminal and juvenile justice sectors. I am beyond honored to receive the 2022 Mark Sherman Juvenile Justice Scholarship!”
2021 Scholarship Winner: Chris Bien-nee Tsoumou
My name is Chris Bien-nee Tsoumou, and I am an immigrant from Gabon and am of Congolese descent. I have lived in Arizona for the past 11 years and I am now currently a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California. I am a Health and Human Sciences major on the pre-med track and am interested in pursuing a minor in political science.
Reaction Statement: “I am filled with deep gratitude to have been selected as the winner for this scholarship. I admire the work done at the Mark Sherman law and am honored to be recognized by such a wonderful and inspirational body. I thank you for your interest in helping me pursue my education, but also for the change you bring to the world. Thank you!”
2020 Scholarship Winner: Katie Dimmer
I grew up in and currently reside in the metro Detroit area. I graduated from Hillsdale College in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science and minors in biology and psychology, cum laude. Currently, I am a first-year Master of Social Work student at Michigan State University, and my goal after graduation is to work as a school social worker with an emphasis in trauma-informed practices. In my free time, I enjoy playing the clarinet and reading.
Reaction Statement: “My honest first reaction to receiving this scholarship is shock – How was I picked out of so many exceptional candidates? “Humbled” and “grateful” would also be accurate descriptors of my reaction. I am incredibly thankful to The Law Offices of Mark Sherman for helping contribute to my education as I attain my goal of supporting and empowering at-risk youth.”
2019 Scholarship Winner: Darrah Blackwater
Darrah Blackwater grew up in Farmington, New Mexico. She is currently pursuing her J.D. at the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law and also working at the Department of Interior as an intern under the Inspector General. A few years ago, after undergrad, Darrah orchestrated a teen outreach program in the Navajo Nation during which she observed the impact being a good role model can have on young boys and girls. During this time, she taught the teens tennis, as well as led lessons on nutrition education. Later on, during law school, Darrah took part i</span>n a Juvenile Teaching Program where students would visit a nearby juvenile detention center for the weekend. This program was to teach the students about the law. Darrah utilized what she learned during this time to create a community-based program that aimed to lower recidivism rates in youth. The program she created pushed these young adults to fulfill their responsibilities, perform good work, and encouraged them to take care of others. Darrah’s mission in life is to serve the underserved, and she is learning how law can help her do so more effectively. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world, playing tennis, writing, and hiking with her dog, Kai.
Reaction Statement: “I am so honored to be a recipient of the Mark Sherman Juvenile Justice Scholarship. I wrote about the juvenile justice on the Navajo Nation because it is important to find the best ways to support the next generation. I’m thankful for Mark Sherman Law’s support as I continue my studies.”
2018 Scholarship Winner: Rosalinda Valle
The 2018 winner is Rosalinda Valle of Santa Cruz, California. Rosalinda is a sociology major at University of California, Santa Cruz. She maintains a strong GPA while she interns at Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, a youth violence prevention organization dedicated to providing alternatives to at-risk youth and re-entry opportunities to former prisoners.
Rosalinda used her work with incarcerated youth to design a thoughtful long-term program addressing various ways to prime juvenile offenders for success both before their release from jail and after. We hope to see a program like Rosalinda’s up and running in the near future!
Mark Sherman Law wishes Rosalinda and the rest of our applicants the best of luck in their educational pursuits. Check back for information regarding next year’s scholarship coming soon.
Focusing on civil and criminal litigation, Attorney Mark Sherman and his team are committed to serving you. He can help you navigate commercial litigation, defamation cases and employment and labor law cases and has defended criminal cases such as motor vehicle charges including DUI/DWI, speeding and cell phone violations, assault, murder, larceny, drug possession, larceny, domestic violence, white collar crimes, child pornography. Attorney Mark Sherman is a member of the Connecticut, New York, and Florida Bars.