Diversity Scholar Recipients
Diversity Scholar Recipients
Encouraging diversity and inclusion within the field of ADR
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LAW STUDENTS AT HBCUs
The AAA-ICDR Foundation partners with law schools at two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Howard University and North Carolina Central University – that offer certificates in dispute resolution. Key details include:
· $50,000 awarded annually to each law school.
· Scholarships specifically for second- and third-year law students pursuing certificates in dispute resolution.
· Recipients are selected each year in September by the respective law schools
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Fund provides financial assistance of up to $2,000 to students or professionals. This support can be used towards:
· Degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution
· Conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution
The goal is to empower diverse leaders and professionals in ADR by helping them access education and training opportunities that advance their careers and enhance inclusivity within the field.
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
2023 Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Scholar
Sarah Shafik
Washington, D.C
School
Howard University Law School
My name is Sarah Shafik. I am a third-year law student at the Howard University School of Law. Before coming to law school, I went to Baruch College in Manhattan, where I majored in International Business and was heavily involved in student organizations on our campus. With that involvement came situations where I had to play a neutral role between students and administration and other situations where I advocated for students. This drive to always find solutions to problems led to my interest in a legal career. Coming into law school, I wanted to find my niche interest in the legal field that would resonate with my purpose, and that is where I found dispute resolution, specifically international arbitration. Since learning about different ADR methods and understanding their effectiveness, I have been heavily involved in our ADR yearlong programs at school and have taken ADR courses. I am still learning so much more about ADR and its exponential growth, and I am grateful to be at Howard with such prominent professors who are trailblazers in the field.
Grant Amount
$25,000
Scholar
Lee Williams
Washington, D.C
School
Howard University Law School
Lee Williams, a 3L at Howard University School of Law, was born and raised in New Jersey. He has lived in Washington, D.C., for over six years, attending Howard University for his undergraduate and legal studies.
Lee was inspired to attend law school because of his passion for justice and equity. He found that within the current legal landscape, having Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills is essential as an attorney looking to serve clients in need thoroughly.
As a student of Professor John Woods, a powerhouse in the ADR community, Lee developed ADR skills and learned how ADR impacts all aspects of practicing law. While external at the International Institute of Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR) through Howard's ADR Consortium, Lee wrote about how ADR-based legislation and Supreme Court decisions affect public policy. Some of his writings were published in CPR's Alternatives, and he had the opportunity to attend Supreme Court oral arguments as a press member.
Lee will begin his legal career in the Washington, DC office of Reed Smith LLP, where he looks forward to utilizing his ADR skills as an attorney in the nation's capital.
Grant Amount
$25,000
Scholar
Katelyn Riddle
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
I am very interested in pursuing roles as an arbitrator. I am a FINRA arbitrator still awaiting my first case. I'd love to continue this career path and explore its intersection with privacy law.
Grant Amount
$10,000
Scholar
Ivey Foster
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
As I pursue my goal of becoming a family law and criminal law attorney, I am committed to leveraging my Dispute Resolution Certificate to excel in mediation hearings and develop effective negotiation strategies, particularly in child custody cases and plea deals. I believe that mastering these skills will enable me to make a meaningful impact for my clients.
Grant Amount
$20,000
Scholar
Sheila Rodriguez Padron
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
I plan to use my ADR certificate to better assist my clients in their estate planning and asset protection endeavors. In the future, I want to become a certified mediator or arbitrator so I can help people needing these services while going through the justice system. Overall, alternative dispute resolution courses should be a requirement of all law degree programs as these skills are transferable to any industry one finds herself in.
Grant Amount
$10,000
Scholar
Destiny Fulton
North Carolina
SCHOOL
North Carolina Central University Law School
My goal within the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution includes learning how to effectively consider interests and values of disputing parties, while navigating a healthy and open-minded process.
Grant Amount
$10,000
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
2023 Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Scholar
Brandon Sanders
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
I’m interested in using the core ideas of open communication and collaboration, as seen in Alternative Dispute Resolution, to make in-house counsel work more efficient and proactive. I want to help resolve issues early, cut down on unnecessary litigation, and build stronger working relationships within my work environment.
Grant Amount
$7,000
Program
Scholar
Aimee Bickers
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
My goal in the field of ADR is to apply my 30 years of experience in project management, business operations, and conflict resolution to help parties navigate disputes with clarity and fairness. With a forthcoming J.D. and a strong background in managing complex contracts and diverse stakeholders, I aim to foster collaboration and craft practical, mutually beneficial outcomes.
Grant Amount
$7,000
Scholar
Aimee Roix
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
After law school, I aspire to incorporate ADR and its relevant practices into my daily work as a contract attorney in the sports law industry. I recognize that ADR methods are often extremely valuable to resolving contract disputes amongst parties. Additionally, while working as a paralegal for over eight (8) years, I have first-hand seen the benefits that negotiation, mediation, and arbitration offer to clients while serving as an alternative to litigation. In the future, I aspire to have a strong and experienced skill-set in ADR practices so that I can utilize these to advocate for my clients and help each client find a beneficial resolution to their unique claims and circumstances.
Grant Amount
$7,500
Scholar
Ruth Montilla
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
As a law student and through personal experiences, I’ve been introduced to the world of mediation and ADR, which has sparked a strong interest in helping parties resolve disputes outside of court. I’ve seen how effective these methods can be in moving cases forward and reducing the burden of litigation. My goal is to build a career where I can facilitate meaningful, cost-effective resolutions and be part of a more collaborative approach to justice.
Grant Amount
$7,500
Scholar
Kamilah Kennedy
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
My goal within Alternative Dispute Resolution is to strengthen my ability to mediate and arbitrate complex workplace disputes, particularly those involving discrimination, bias, and organizational culture. I aim to integrate ADR principles into employment law practice to promote fairness, preserve professional relationships, and resolve conflicts before they escalate to litigation.
Grant Amount
$7,000
Scholar
Raygan Hansley
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University Law School
I am interested in the area of ADR because it plays a crucial role in providing alternative means of resolving conflicts outside of the traditional courtroom process. In today’s society, litigation can be extremely time consuming and expensive, and the traditional process is not always accessible or practical. ADR offers individuals and businesses a practical alternative, balancing the pursuit of justice with financial accessibility.
Grant Amount
$7,000
Scholar
Ama Fosu
Washington, D.C.
School
Howard University Law School
I plan to continue developing analytical, critical and negotiation skills within the field of ADR while advocating for the inclusion of diverse neutrals in ADR rostering agencies. I attribute my appreciation of the ADR field to the teachings of Professor Homer C. La Rue and Professor John Woods at the Howard University School of Law. I look forward to using such problem-solving skills in her legal career and beyond.
Grant Amount
$25,000
Scholar
William Jones
Washington, D.C.
School
Howard University Law School
My goals within the field of ADR are to represent States, investors, and other parties in matters of international trade and investment, and to promote ADR mechanisms as a solution to human and civil rights issues. ADR holds a unique capacity to fashion creative, yet pragmatic solutions to complex global challenges. I intend to be a catalyst in expanding the reach of ADR, ensuring it remains an inclusive and innovative tool for global problem solving.
Grant Amount
$25,000
Scholar
Carol Newman Rose
Massachusetts
Grant Amount
900
PROGRAM
Scholar
Doreen Cunningham
Massachusetts
Grant Amount
900
PROGRAM