2024 Bursary Recipients
Meet Our 2024 Committee
Each year, the Board of the JD Bridges Foundation appoints a selection committee of members across Canada to review the applications of each student who apply to the JD Bridges Bursary. After reading written applications, viewing a video presentation, and holding interviews, the Selection Committees are extremely impressed by the ambition of each applicant, and moved by their stories. We thank the esteemed panels for helping us build bridges for the upcoming law school admission cycle.
Danielle
Rawlinson
Ontario
Danielle Rawlinson
Danielle Rawlinson is a barrister and solicitor licenced by the Law Society of Ontario and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020. Danielle’s practice consists of predominantly employment and labour law. She completed her law degree at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law.
Danielle assists her employer clients navigate employee terminations and layoffs, constructive dismissals, unjust dismissal claims, human rights claims, and union grievances. Danielle represents her clients at various levels of provincial courts, federal adjudication, and both federal and provincial Human Rights Tribunals.
Danielle is a zealous advocate keeping her client’s interests centred throughout the process and she approaches her work with a listening ear, a keen eye, and is result oriented.
Crystal
Witter
Nova Scotia
Crystal Witter
Crystal Witter is a 2L student at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, where her passion for social justice and advocacy shines through. She currently serves as the National Director of Mentorship for the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada). Previously, she served as the Vice Chair of the Law Student Society and Vice President of Operations for the John E. Read International Law Society (JERILS). A Jamaican national, Crystal exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence and leadership, guided by the philosophy, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Crystal volunteers pro bono at the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia, embodying her dedication to social justice and community service.
Before pursuing her legal education, Crystal founded businesses in the beauty, health and wellness industries, and established a non-profit organization focused on combating human trafficking through advocacy. These roles highlight her ability to excel across diverse fields and underscore her commitment to making a positive global impact.
Her influence extends beyond entrepreneurship, as she mentors international students, entrepreneurs, and others, empowering them to realize their fullest potential. As she continues her legal education, Crystal remains steadfast in her mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
Kali
Robertson
Nova Scotia
Kali Robertson
With a focus on litigation, Kali works diligently for her clients to provide timely solutions to complex legal matter. Kali understands the legal practice is always evolving and strives to ensure her practice is up-to-date with professional standards and client expectations. She recognizes how complicated and time-consuming the legal process can be, and works to provide an individualized experience that both minimizes stress and achieves desirable outcomes. She finds creative solutions that are economical and satisfactory, to ensure her clients feel empowered and in control.
Laésha
Smith
British Columbia
Laésha Smith
For nearly two decades, Laésha has maintained a dispute resolution practice that focuses on securities, administrative law and complex commercial litigation. As an administrative lawyer she has worked extensively on investigations and enforcement proceedings involving government/regulatory agencies in the US, the UK and Canada. She has represented clients in hearings before various administrative tribunals and has assisted in both challenging and defending decisions or actions taken by governments, regulatory bodies and tribunals. Her clients have included global financial institutions with frequent international travel to represent them across multiple jurisdictions in Asia, Europe and North America. Her litigation experience builds upon her ability to advocate and navigate through complex contested proceedings. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in British Columbia and regularly assists clients to achieve favorable court outcomes as well as settlements.
In BC, before Poulus Ensom Smith LLP, Laésha was a partner at McEwan Partners and served in the public sector as litigation counsel in the Enforcement Department of the British Columbia Securities Commission. Prior to relocating to BC in 2015, Laésha practiced for 10 years at top international law firms in New York (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP) and London (Allen & Overy LLP) where her practice focused on high stakes commercial litigation and on acting for large financial institutions in relation to a broad range of regulatory and white collar criminal issues including market manipulation, insider trading, anti-bribery and corruption, mis-selling, fraud and other types of system and controls failings.
Lacy
Carty
Ontario
Lacy Carty
Lacy Carty is a distinguished legal professional with a robust academic foundation and extensive experience in family law and child protection. Holding both a Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, Lacy blends profound legal expertise with deep social work insights.
As a Staff Lawyer at Legal Aid Ontario, Lacy excels in providing expert legal services, including court representation, summary legal advice, and overseeing financial eligibility, ensuring efficient and effective legal support. Her prior role as In-House Legal Counsel for CAS involved advising on child welfare legislation, presenting cases, and using alternative dispute resolution to build collaborative solutions. Her private practice experience further sharpened her skills in managing complex caseloads and legal research.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Lacy founded Making-it-Awkward, a community advocacy group dedicated to combating anti-Black racism. She also co-founded Beauty is Me (BiM) to promote positive self-image among Black girls. Lacy serves on the Board of Directors for the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation and contributes to the City of Windsor’s Equity and Diversity Committee, underscoring her commitment to equity and inclusion. Her dedication to social justice is further recognized through numerous accolades, including the OHREA Award (2022), the Journey Towards Success Community Award (2019) and the Distinguished Women Award (2016).
Lacy remains steadfast in her mission to advance equity and justice both within and beyond her legal career.
Hodson
Harding
Ontario
Hodson Harding
Hodson is a lawyer practicing insurance defence in Toronto, who is passionate about diversity in the legal field. Hodson is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. Prior to completing his Juris Doctor, Hodson attended Rice University in Houston, Texas where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while competing at the highest level as an NCAA Division 1 athlete.
Hodson is engaged in a variety of organizations. Giving back to the community through volunteering is very important to him. He is a founding member of CABL’s (Canadian Association of Black Lawyers) Alberta chapter. He is also a member of CABIP (Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals). Aside from his work duties, Hodson is a mentor for Black youth throughout the inner-city area, and regularly provides advice to current and prospective law students.
Danielle
Rawlinson
Ontario
Danielle Rawlinson
Danielle Rawlinson is a barrister and solicitor licenced by the Law Society of Ontario and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020. Danielle’s practice consists of predominantly employment and labour law. She completed her law degree at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law.
Danielle assists her employer clients navigate employee terminations and layoffs, constructive dismissals, unjust dismissal claims, human rights claims, and union grievances. Danielle represents her clients at various levels of provincial courts, federal adjudication, and both federal and provincial Human Rights Tribunals.
Danielle is a zealous advocate keeping her client’s interests centred throughout the process and she approaches her work with a listening ear, a keen eye, and is result oriented.
Crystal
Witter
Nova Scotia
Crystal Witter
Crystal Witter is a 2L student at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, where her passion for social justice and advocacy shines through. She currently serves as the National Director of Mentorship for the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA Canada). Previously, she served as the Vice Chair of the Law Student Society and Vice President of Operations for the John E. Read International Law Society (JERILS). A Jamaican national, Crystal exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence and leadership, guided by the philosophy, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Crystal volunteers pro bono at the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights Nova Scotia, embodying her dedication to social justice and community service.
Before pursuing her legal education, Crystal founded businesses in the beauty, health and wellness industries, and established a non-profit organization focused on combating human trafficking through advocacy. These roles highlight her ability to excel across diverse fields and underscore her commitment to making a positive global impact.
Her influence extends beyond entrepreneurship, as she mentors international students, entrepreneurs, and others, empowering them to realize their fullest potential. As she continues her legal education, Crystal remains steadfast in her mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
Kali
Robertson
Nova Scotia
Kali Robertson
With a focus on litigation, Kali works diligently for her clients to provide timely solutions to complex legal matter. Kali understands the legal practice is always evolving and strives to ensure her practice is up-to-date with professional standards and client expectations. She recognizes how complicated and time-consuming the legal process can be, and works to provide an individualized experience that both minimizes stress and achieves desirable outcomes. She finds creative solutions that are economical and satisfactory, to ensure her clients feel empowered and in control.
Laésha
Smith
British Columbia
Laésha Smith
For nearly two decades, Laésha has maintained a dispute resolution practice that focuses on securities, administrative law and complex commercial litigation. As an administrative lawyer she has worked extensively on investigations and enforcement proceedings involving government/regulatory agencies in the US, the UK and Canada. She has represented clients in hearings before various administrative tribunals and has assisted in both challenging and defending decisions or actions taken by governments, regulatory bodies and tribunals. Her clients have included global financial institutions with frequent international travel to represent them across multiple jurisdictions in Asia, Europe and North America. Her litigation experience builds upon her ability to advocate and navigate through complex contested proceedings. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in British Columbia and regularly assists clients to achieve favorable court outcomes as well as settlements.
In BC, before Poulus Ensom Smith LLP, Laésha was a partner at McEwan Partners and served in the public sector as litigation counsel in the Enforcement Department of the British Columbia Securities Commission. Prior to relocating to BC in 2015, Laésha practiced for 10 years at top international law firms in New York (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP) and London (Allen & Overy LLP) where her practice focused on high stakes commercial litigation and on acting for large financial institutions in relation to a broad range of regulatory and white collar criminal issues including market manipulation, insider trading, anti-bribery and corruption, mis-selling, fraud and other types of system and controls failings.
Lacy
Carty
Ontario
Lacy Carty
Lacy Carty is a distinguished legal professional with a robust academic foundation and extensive experience in family law and child protection. Holding both a Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, Lacy blends profound legal expertise with deep social work insights.
As a Staff Lawyer at Legal Aid Ontario, Lacy excels in providing expert legal services, including court representation, summary legal advice, and overseeing financial eligibility, ensuring efficient and effective legal support. Her prior role as In-House Legal Counsel for CAS involved advising on child welfare legislation, presenting cases, and using alternative dispute resolution to build collaborative solutions. Her private practice experience further sharpened her skills in managing complex caseloads and legal research.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Lacy founded Making-it-Awkward, a community advocacy group dedicated to combating anti-Black racism. She also co-founded Beauty is Me (BiM) to promote positive self-image among Black girls. Lacy serves on the Board of Directors for the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation and contributes to the City of Windsor’s Equity and Diversity Committee, underscoring her commitment to equity and inclusion. Her dedication to social justice is further recognized through numerous accolades, including the OHREA Award (2022), the Journey Towards Success Community Award (2019) and the Distinguished Women Award (2016).
Lacy remains steadfast in her mission to advance equity and justice both within and beyond her legal career.
Hodson
Harding
Ontario
Hodson Harding
Hodson is a lawyer practicing insurance defence in Toronto, who is passionate about diversity in the legal field. Hodson is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law. Prior to completing his Juris Doctor, Hodson attended Rice University in Houston, Texas where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while competing at the highest level as an NCAA Division 1 athlete.
Hodson is engaged in a variety of organizations. Giving back to the community through volunteering is very important to him. He is a founding member of CABL’s (Canadian Association of Black Lawyers) Alberta chapter. He is also a member of CABIP (Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals). Aside from his work duties, Hodson is a mentor for Black youth throughout the inner-city area, and regularly provides advice to current and prospective law students.
Recipient Map Tour
Thank you to each person who applied to the JD Bridges Bursary. As a result of the generous support from our donors and sponsors, we are proud to present the recipients from our bursary program.
Hover over the bridges on the map to see the JD Bridges Bursary recipients.
*View this page from a laptop/desktop for the optimal viewing experience.
*The bridges do not represent exact locations.
Precious Familusi (Newfoundland and Labrador)
El-Shaddai Nyakiir (Manitoba)
2 of 15
Bruce Akubukaka-Getachew (Manitoba)
3 of 15
Iyore Uwagboe (Alberta)
4 of 15
Stephanie Otieno (Alberta)
5 of 15
Nadia Grant (Alberta)
6 of 15
Cristal Hines (Ontario)
7 of 15
Ivana Atem (Ontario)
8 of 15
Kesha Ongagna (Ontario)
9 of 15
Lavon Johnson (Ontario)
10 of 15
Sierra Kilby (Ontario)
11 of 15
Marian Unnah (Ontario)
12 of 15
Micahi Warner (Ontario)
Stephen DeCordova (Ontario)
14 of 15
Tenisha Noel (Ontario)
15 of 15Recipient Map Tour
Thank you to each person who applied to the JD Bridges Bursary. As a result of the generous support from our donors and sponsors, we are proud to present the recipients from our bursary program.
Press the “Start Tour” button below to see the JD Bridges Bursary recipients. *The points do not represent exact locations.
Thanks again to our donors for helping us to build these bridges.
Precious Familusi (Newfoundland and Labrador)
El-Shaddai Nyakiir (Manitoba)
2 of 15
Bruce Akubukaka-Getachew (Manitoba)
3 of 15
Iyore Uwagboe (Alberta)
4 of 15
Stephanie Otieno (Alberta)
5 of 15
Nadia Grant (Alberta)
6 of 15
Cristal Hines (Ontario)
7 of 15
Ivana Atem (Ontario)
8 of 15
Kesha Ongagna (Ontario)
9 of 15
Lavon Johnson (Ontario)
10 of 15
Sierra Kilby (Ontario)
11 of 15
Marian Unnah (Ontario)
12 of 15Micahi Warner (Ontario)
Stephen DeCordova (Ontario)
14 of 15
Tenisha Noel (Ontario)
15 of 15Recipient Map Tour
Thank you to each person who applied to the JD Bridges Bursary. As a result of the generous support from our donors and sponsors, we are proud to present the recipients from our bursary program.
Press the “Start Tour” button below to see the JD Bridges Bursary recipients. *The points do not represent exact locations.
Thanks again to our donors for helping us to build these bridges.
Precious Familusi (Newfoundland and Labrador)
El-Shaddai Nyakiir (Manitoba)
2 of 15
Bruce Akubukaka-Getachew (Manitoba)
3 of 15
Iyore Uwagboe (Alberta)
4 of 15
Stephanie Otieno (Alberta)
5 of 15
Nadia Grant (Alberta)
6 of 15
Cristal Hines (Ontario)
7 of 15
Ivana Atem (Ontario)
8 of 15
Kesha Ongagna (Ontario)
9 of 15
Lavon Johnson (Ontario)
10 of 15
Sierra Kilby (Ontario)
11 of 15
Marian Unnah (Ontario)
12 of 15Micahi Warner (Ontario)
Stephen DeCordova (Ontario)
14 of 15
Tenisha Noel (Ontario)
15 of 15Meet Our Bursary Recipients
Congratulations to these recipients of the JD Bridges Bursary!
Email us at info@jdbridges.ca to learn more about how you can build bridges with us for our next bursary cycle.
Bruce Akubukaka-Getachew
Why Bruce is applying to law school
The reason I am pursuing a career in law is to create a societal change in my community. I want to show people from my community that we don't have to be athletes or musicians, we can use a profession such as law as a stepping stone to achieving our goals. I also want to show the younger generation how diverse the legal profession has become and help them avoid the question I once asked of, "Why doesn't anyone in the legal profession look like me?"
Cristal Hines
Why Cristal is applying to law school
I applied to law school almost five years ago and was not accepted. As a result of this, I was devastated and deeply discouraged about ever trying again. At the time, George Floyed was publicly murdered at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. I felt an unshakeable conviction compounded with the pain of yet another loss within the Black community at the hands of an oppressive system founded by anti-Black practices. But my conviction was heightened because not getting into law school felt like a disruption to the role I felt I was to play in political advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities. So, I continued to advocate and through my activism work was able to support community mobilization, development and policy change. I then continued my work in social work and began working in youth justice, then went on to complete my masters and answer some of the epistemological questions that fueled me legal advocacy. It was through my personal, professional and academic experience I was provided with the substantive knowledge and experiences to compliment what I believe will be a transformative legal career. Equally, it affirmed that being a lawyer is not about the title I wear but, the expression of who I am, an advocate. This profession will enable me to wield my skill set, conviction and unwavering commitment to social justice in the best interest of human rights. This will inevitably benefit society at large. In the words of activist Assata Shakur, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win.We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” It is this duty that has and will continue to fuel my relentless pursuit of a better future, as a lawyer.
El-Shaddai Nyakiir
Why El-Shaddai is applying to law school
Ivana Atem
Why Ivana is applying to law school
Kesha Ongagna
Why Kesha is applying to law school
I am applying to law school because I am committed to protecting and defending the most vulnerable people, particularly in the Global South who face severe injustices due to war, ecological catastrophes, and systemic inequalities. As a lawyer, I will have the legal knowledge and tools necessary to advocate effectively for these communities, holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations and environmental harm. My goal is to use the law as a means to bring justice and support to those who are often overlooked and oppressed, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
Marian Unnah
Why Marian is applying to law school
Micahi Warner
Why Micahi is applying to law school
Iyore Uwagboe
Why Iyore is applying to law school
My interest in law and the criminal justice system has been foundational in my decision to pursue my Juris Doctor. Compounded by my love for reading, writing, and a keen interest in the legal profession, I have always felt strongly oriented towards a career in social justice and service. I have a specific interest in criminal justice and reform; exploring the implications of incarceration on inmates as well the greater impacts on the family unit, communities, and society at large. My hope is that an education in the legal field will give me the opportunity to be an advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. I believe that the law is not just about the application of rules and regulation - it is an opportunity to renegotiate our definitions of justice, ethics and fairness.
I would like to extend a tremendous thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far, and a special thank you for the JD Bridges Foundation for seeing something in me that I anticipate to share with the world very soon.
Nadia Grant
Why Nadia is applying to law school
Precious Familusi
Why Precious is applying to law school
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, I developed a love for my homeland that soon transformed into a passion for justice and equity. The corruption, police brutality, and broken judicial system in Nigeria ignited a fire within me to become an advocate for change.
As I moved to Kuwait, the UK, and eventually Canada, I encountered various forms of racism and discrimination, further solidifying my commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. My experiences taught me that the pursuit of justice is a continuous journey, not a destination.
Newfoundland, my adopted home, has profoundly shaped my perspective. The racially diverse and marginalized communities in NL have shaped who I am today. My community has many painful stories: from racist ideologies embedded in school curriculum, to the unfair treatment and wrongful termination of immigrant workers and more commonly, the renaming of migrant workers with names too ethnic to be pronounced by their employers. Just as I am intimately familiar with my community’s intergenerational trauma, I carry my own pain stories too. I witnessed my mother lose her job over wrongful accusations. I watched the hospital continuously mismanage my uncle's deteriorating health, consequently risking the deportation of his family whom he sponsored to Canada. I have watched my aunt scramble to retain legal counsel for her immigration status, only to be met with long wait times due to having only one immigration lawyer in the whole of NL.
Pursuing law school is not merely an opportunity for me to learn and hone my skills in advocacy, it is a responsibility and service that I owe my community. I wish to mobilize my legal knowledge to protect, strengthen, and empower both my home community and other Black communities across Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada has acknowledged the existence of systemic anti-Black racism; yet, the mantle falls upon the legal profession to be on the frontlines uprooting systemic oppression. With my law degree, I intend on relentlessly breaking open pathways to justice.
I am excited to apply to law school, and eager to equip myself with the skills and expertise needed to advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Stephanie Otieno
Why Stephanie is applying to law school
Lavon Johnson
Why Lavon is applying to law school
Stephen DeCordova
Why Stephen is applying to law school
Tenisha Noel
Why Tenisha is applying to law school
