Each month, we highlight the efforts of those who work to make the justice system more accessible for DC residents. This Partner Profile features Rochanda Hiligh-Thomas, Executive Director of Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc and recipient of the 2017 Scoutt Prize.
Name Rochanda Hiligh-Thomas
Job/Position Executive Director
Organization Advocates for Justice and Education
Years on the Job Almost 13 years
Little Known Fact About Your Organization Our first office was located in Allen Chapel AME Church on Alabama Ave., SE
Where did you grow up? Washington, D.C.
What brought you to DC? It’s home
What was your first job in DC, and what did you learn? Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment. I learned word processing.
INTERESTING FACTS
Daily Habit Prayer with my children
Favorite app Word Streak
Favorite Movie Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Vacation Spot Virginia Beach
Guilty Pleasure Chocolate chip cookies and milk
One Item from your Bucket List Travel to South Africa
Hobbies Reading fiction and writing poetry
Your News Source Newspapers, radio and t.v.
One thing (other than your phone) you never leave the house without is… My purse
CAREER PATH
Most rewarding element of your work Empowering others to self advocate
If I hadn’t become a lawyer, I would be a… Psychologist
LEGAL AID
Legal aid is important to me because . . . It provides access to basic necessities
My dream for the legal system is… Equitable access to fair & just resolutions
The most pressing civil legal aid issue in DC is… Economic stability & habitable housing
Would you like to tell us about your role in DC’s legal aid community? Fill out our Partner Profile Survey and share your story in an upcoming newsletter.
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