Students connect with alumni and other practitioners during 7th Annual Diversity Mentorship Networking Night

CARLISLE, Pa.—Dozens of Penn State Dickinson Law students attended the Seventh Annual Diversity Mentorship Networking Night (DMNN) on January 28, connecting with attorneys and judges from diverse backgrounds—including a dozen alumni—and learning about their professional and personal experiences with the rule of law.

The evening, co-sponsored by the Black Law Student Association (BLSA), OutLaw, and Women’s Law Caucus, began with an address by Triston Chase O’Savio ’18, who founded the Law School’s annual moot court competition. His remarks were followed by an hour of speed networking and a reception where students and practitioners engaged in longer conversations.

“As a first-generation law student, events like the Diversity Mentorship Networking Night are so important and impactful,” said Cristen Williams ’27, president of BLSA. “It is always an honor to interact with alumni, and I truly appreciate their guidance and support.”

“What I love about the event is that it makes networking much easier,” said Daney Stevens ’27, president of the Women’s Law Caucus. “For most law students, I think that networking is challenging, but for first-generation law students and students from historically underrepresented groups, I think it is especially intimidating and sometimes even feels exclusionary. Having many diverse practitioners come to our school where we feel at home and having the opportunity to speak with each one of them is an incredible experience.”

‘The fight for justice is never finished’

Following opening remarks by Penn State Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway and an introduction by Williams, Chase O’Savio delivered his message to the students, alumni, faculty, administration, and staff gathered in Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium.

He noted that the percentage of lawyers who are people of color has “significantly increased” over the past decade. “While we still have work to do, the profession is more diverse than ever, welcoming attorneys from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, political ideologies, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and life experiences,” said Chase O’Savio, an assistant solicitor general for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a founder of a nonprofit focused on empowering youth through healthy activities. “This diversity strengthens our system of justice because it ensures that the law reflects the voices and realities of all Americans.”

He noted that Thurgood Marshall’s civil rights advocacy and Barack Obama’s election as president inspired him to become a lawyer. “I wanted to use the law like they did, to protect civil rights for those who cannot protect themselves and to strengthen community and society as a whole,” said Chase O’Savio.

He closed his remarks with a call to action for students. “Representation in the legal field matters. We need lawyers like you who will fight for civil rights in this new era of challenges, lawyers who understand that equality is not a partisan issue but a Constitutional promise. And that is where you come in. You are the next generation of advocates, judges, and policymakers,” said Chase O’Savio. “Your voices, your perspectives, your courage will determine whether we move forward or whether we move backward. The fight for justice is never finished.”

Alumni share knowledge with students

A speed networking session followed Chase O’Savio’s address, with small groups of students spending five minutes with each practitioner. Afterward, everyone enjoyed casual networking during a reception.

Recent graduates in attendance remembered participating in the night themselves. “I met an alumnus who attended Penn State Dickinson Law during the first DMNN, and he was so excited that the event was still going strong seven years later,” said Williams.

That alumnus, Shawn Baldwin, now works as an assistant district attorney in the Appeals Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. “When I was the vice president of Penn State Dickinson Law’s BLSA chapter, the leadership of BLSA and other affinity groups collaborated to create a diversity-based networking dinner bringing in lawyers from various backgrounds to interact with students. So nearly 10 years later, I was ecstatic when Cristen reached out to me to participate in that same event,” said Baldwin. “I love coming back home to Dickinson Law, mentoring and advising students, and I am overjoyed to hear that the networking event I helped create as a student is still going strong nearly 10 years later.”

India S. Lipscomb ’27 said DMNN is one of her favorite events each year. “It is a networking event that centers community, first and foremost,” said Lipscomb. “For me, it is a real bonding experience. We talk about our careers and exchange cards, but the real discussion happens when we are eating appetizers and talking about real life. Whether it is Dean Conway or one of the attorneys at the event, I love seeing people of color thrive. It is a reminder that there is life after law school and that people who look like me belong in these spaces.”

Students also valued the opportunity to connect with people who know the struggles and rewards of law school. “I went to the event to meet and learn from our peers who were in our shoes just a few years ago. It was so meaningful to be able to learn how our alumni navigated their time in law school to get where they are today,” said Karis Li ’28, who attended her first DMNN.

Practitioners’ frank insights earned praise from students. “I found every interaction at the event to be valuable,” said Stephens. “I received meaningful advice on a wide range of things, including career options and how to find the right postgrad job. The experience also helped me appreciate the importance of coming back to talk with law students once I am fortunate enough to graduate.”