Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship: 2022-2023 Recipients

University of Pittsburgh School of Law recipient: Dominique Rodriguez

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you go to college?
I grew up in Albuquerque, NM, where I was born and raised. I attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) where I received a two Bachelors: one in Women Studies and the other in Sociology. I also received an Executive Master of Business Administration at UNM. Growing up in a low-income household, as well as being part of the LGBTQ+ community shaped who I am. Being part of these communities, as well as wanting to make change in our world, is part of the reason I wanted to pursue the legal profession.

Why did you decide to go to law school?
I am interested in helping women who are victims of sexual assault, as well as the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities. Hispanic make up a small portion of the legal profession, and I would like to change that. There are a lot of barriers- such as the cost of LSAT preparation, that can make it harder for people to pursue law school.

What attracted you to Pittsburgh?
Prior to coming to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, I worked for the UNM School of Medicine. During that time, I was able to see how the curriculum for medical students was created, and how they were trying to change it to be more accommodating for LGBTQ+ patients. This inspired me and peaked in interest in the health law clinic that Pitt Law offers. I also liked how beautiful it is in Pittsburgh and wanted to live on the East Coast.

What are you most excited about doing in law school? In Pittsburgh?
I’m excited for internships; applying all the learning that I’ve done and doing the work that I’ve been wanting to do. I’m also looking forward to continuing to try all the food here, and going to the Carnegie Museums.

The legal profession has historically had challenges with diversity, what are 2-3 things you wish law schools and legal employers would do better?

1. Finding ways to support diverse candidates. It is really expensive to apply to law school: LSAT waivers are hard to get, the cost of applications and CAS fees add up quickly, not including any studying material or tutors. Providing more financial support would be a good starting point to making it more accessible.
2. Finding ways to advertise mentorship more effectively. It is hard to find mentors if you don’t know who to talk to or know someone in the industry. Advertisement from law firms could help students who are interested but unsure of where to start. If you don’t know someone going through the application/LSAT process, it can be difficult to navigate on your own. Having a mentor guide you as you embark through this process could be very beneficial.

Who are your legal heroes?
My legal heroes are Michell Obama and Mary L. Bonauto (the LGBTQ+ attorney on the Obergefell v. Hodge case).

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and Marshall Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother (he is studying to be an environmental lawyer in that show).

Do you have anything else you want the Pittsburgh legal community to know about you?
I am excited to meet everyone, and for the scholarship opportunity.

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University recipient: Tiffeny Ayoola 

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you go to college?
I am 23 years old and was born in Long Island, NY. My family and I then moved to Maryland where I graduated high school. I attended The Pennsylvania State University to get my bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in African American Studies. I then attended Penn State Law where I obtained my Masters of Legal Studies Degree in Information Security and Privacy Law.

Why did you decide to go to law school?
I decided to go to law school for various reasons. The first being that I want to learn to navigate the criminal justice system through the lens of being an African American woman in order to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Unfortunately, many minorities do not have access to the same resources I had growing up, especially those who find themselves needing to navigate through the criminal justice system. Individuals who look like me do not always have someone in their corner to whom they can relate or who will advocate for them in a system that is so often working against us. I knew very early in my college career that I wanted to fill this void and do my part in creating much-needed change that would benefit minorities. I have remained passionate about finding my way to reach my goal of advocating and assisting others throughout my education. I am also very passionate about advocating for those who have been wrongly convicted and I hope to be able to assist in reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.

What attracted you to Pittsburgh?
What most attracted me to Pittsburgh is the opportunity to explore a new city. Pittsburgh has a little bit of everything as far as great sightseeing, museums, and so much more. I was also very drawn to the fact that Pittsburgh is a medium-sized city which is very manageable, especially while being in law school.

What are you most excited about doing in law school? In Pittsburgh?
I am most excited about taking part in the various clinics and externships Duquesne has to offer. I am very passionate about advocating for the wrongly convicted so I hope to be able to become a part of the Innocence Project which is right downtown.

The legal profession has historically had challenges with diversity, what are 2-3 things you wish law schools and legal employers would do better?
I believe that law schools and legal employers should push to create equity in schools and in the workplace. Minorities experience imposter’s syndrome at a much higher rate. I feel as though if we can ensure that minorities feel as though they belong in a space, it will become a safe space for them. I think another thing that is important is to provide mentors for people of color. It is oftentimes hard to find people who look like me in a profession that is not very diverse. It’s important to make that connection among those already in the legal profession and younger aspiring lawyers.

Who are your legal heroes?
Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
My favorite fictional lawyer would have to be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

Do you have anything else you want the Pittsburgh legal community to know about you?
I’d like to extend my gratitude for this generous contribution to my law school education.