The weeklong program was designed to give undergraduate college students who may be interested in law, but unfamiliar with the legal profession, early access to the tools, resources and relationships that support success in legal education. Fourteen participants came from colleges across nine different states to explore legal concepts, engage with faculty and alumni, and build confidence for their career aspirations.
“This program was created to make law school feel possible—and to show these students that they belong in this space,” said Blake Hudson, dean of Cumberland School of Law. “They left with a deeper understanding of the legal field and a community ready to support them.”
Throughout the week, students attended classes taught by Cumberland faculty, participated in advocacy exercises, and heard from practicing attorneys, many of whom were first-generation law students themselves. Sessions also covered leadership development, professional skills, and tips for navigating the law school application process.
In addition to academic and leadership components, the event emphasized mentorship. Students were paired with current law students and alumni, giving them a support network that will extend beyond the weeklong experience.
The program was made possible through the generous support of Cumberland School of Law alumni and donors who believe in expanding access to legal education. The inaugural cohort, with their sponsored scholar seats, includes:
- Jorge Avila, Middle Tennessee State University, Mann & Potter Scholar
- Destiny Gilliard, Fayetteville State University, Sodoma Scholar
- Akayla Huges, University of Mississippi, John Carroll Scholar
- Ella Ingram, Samford University, Bradley Arant Scholar
- Grace Kadia, North Texas University, Sean Modjarrad Scholar
- Sean Kirce, The University of Alabama, Scott & Patti Simpson Scholar
- Evan Reese Lyas, The University of Southern California, Jeremy Counseller Scholar
- Luke Marchetta, Samford University, Bob Stropp Scholar
- Noah Sanderson, The University of Alabama, Cumberland Law Scholar
- Jacob Slatton, Berry College, Marvin Wilson Scholar
- Bryce Surratt, Furman University, Friedman, Dazzio & Zulanas Scholar
- Adara Walker, Oakwood University, Leonard Baynes Scholar
- Elisa Williamson, Florida State University, Orlando Health Scholar
For the participants, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. Destiny Gilliard, said, “The Cumberland Connection Program was a transformative experience. It profoundly shaped my understanding of what a future legal career entails, especially in terms of advocacy and public service, and illuminated the ways law can be used as a tool for social change. Beyond the academic learning, it offered mentorship, professional connections and inspiration that have been critical in shaping my career goals. The program reaffirmed my commitment to becoming a lawyer who advocates for justice. Additionally, meeting Nicole Sodoma from the Sodoma Law Firm, a family law firm that sponsored my participation, was especially inspiring. Speaking with her about family law and advocacy reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career focused on domestic violence law and supporting vulnerable populations. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I received throughout this program.”
Sodoma, a Cumberland alumna from the class of 2000, said, “Having the opportunity to speak with undergraduates exploring a future in law and students preparing to take their first steps into the legal profession was deeply meaningful to me. The Cumberland Connection Program plays a vital role in expanding access, not only to legal education but to the profession itself. Law school can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation students or those without a clear roadmap or someone to advise them on what’s ahead. That’s why programs like this matter. Sponsoring a scholar in her journey and sharing the evolution of my own career path as I enter my 25th year was truly an honor and a tradition that my firm, Sodoma Law, looks forward to continuing."
With the success of its inaugural year, the initiative reflects the law school’s commitment to increasing diversity and representation in the legal profession by equipping first-generation students and students who have overcome significant obstacles with the insight and encouragement they need to pursue their goals.
