Imani Brown ’22: Four Internships & Law School

“I graduated early, in just three and a half years,” says Imani Brown ’22, a criminal justice major from Brooklyn. “Because of John Jay, I was able to figure out my career, the type of law I wanted to practice, and have every experiential learning opportunity imaginable to reach my goals.”

Brown participated in four internships and one fellowship while attending John Jay. “I had a Pinkerton Fellowship, which paired me with the S.O.U.L. Sisters Leadership Collective, and internships with the Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Attorney General's office.”

Brown is attending CUNY School of Law and hopes to become a juvenile justice attorney. “I want to serve as an advocate for youth, especially those in diversion programs. I hope to inform them of the opportunities available, from education and work to rehabilitative opportunities.”

How did John Jay connect you to internships and fellowships??
There is an abundance of opportunities available to students at John Jay and the College and its programs promote them. There are people at John Jay—for me it was my ACE advisor—who want to help you. Being able to immerse myself in internship and fellowship opportunities, I was able to become acquainted with the legal field and my future career as a juvenile justice attorney.

How did the ACE program help support you throughout your John Jay journey?
The program gave me guidance that not many students get at other colleges. I wasn’t navigating college on my own. ACE kept me on track with my classes, and we had monthly meetings and one-on-ones with my advisor.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at John Jay?
One that means a lot is being a member of the Black Student Union. It felt good to be one with my people in that club, being able to bounce ideas off each other connect with the community was really meaningful to me.

Which academic achievement are you particularly proud?
Earning my certificate in dispute resolution. I have always called myself the mediator in my family and with friends, and now, with this certificate, I can officially mediate. I learned so much from the program, things like active listening, learning how to diffuse a situation, understanding different types of conflict-handling styles, and cross-cultural negotiations.

Where will you be in five years?
Hopefully with my law degree, passing the bar exam, and practicing law. I see myself serving as an advocate for youth in diversion programs and underserved communities.