Justice is not a static concept; it is a living, evolving commitment to equity, fairness, and humanity. At the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, this ethos drives every action we take. It is a belief rooted in history and service, in the very foundation of public defense as a safeguard for the vulnerable and marginalized. It is also what inspired me to create the Defenders of Tomorrow program—an initiative that connects young people to the legal system while embedding the values of trauma-informed care and equitable access into every step.
The Genesis of Defenders of Tomorrow
The idea for Defenders of Tomorrow emerged from my own lived experiences. Growing up, I encountered systems that were designed more to deter than to empower. Yet within those systems, moments of guidance and mentorship shaped the trajectory of my life. A teacher’s encouragement, a mentor’s guidance, and the chance to imagine myself in spaces I never thought possible became the catalyst for my journey—from education to advocacy, from foster care to leadership.
With Defenders of Tomorrow, my goal was to build that same bridge for students; create those better circumstances that we talk about. In September 2024, we launched this pilot program in collaboration with the Greece Central School District in Monroe County, working closely with educators and administrators like Kerry Gant (Restorative Justice TOSA, Odyssey Academy), Dr. Cedrick-Michael Simmons (Director of Equity), Corey Skinner (Director of CTE and School to Career Pathways), Brian Eichas (Work Based Learning Specialist), and Odyssey Academy Principal Dr. Corey Hepburn. Together, we designed a curriculum that introduces high school students to the legal system through hands-on experiences—structured courtroom visits, interactive workshops with legal professionals, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities. These activities provide students with a behind-the-scenes understanding of how justice is served.
But this program goes deeper than career exploration; it’s about planting seeds of justice, equity, and advocacy. For example, during a recent session, students explored the role of public defense in ensuring fairness, learning about landmark cases that changed the trajectory of civil rights in America. These moments are more than lessons; they are catalysts for change, inspiring students to see themselves as changemakers within their communities.
Why Trauma-Informed Practices Matter
Public defense is not simply about legal representation; it is about humanity. Many individuals we serve navigate lives shaped by systemic inequalities and personal traumas. Defenders of Tomorrow ensures young participants learn about the justice system through a lens of empathy and understanding. They hear not only about the mechanics of law but also the stories of resilience and advocacy that make public defense a calling rather than just a career.
By teaching students to recognize the impact of trauma—on clients, communities, and themselves—we foster a new generation of legal professionals who view justice as an act of care as much as an act of law. This approach transforms how students think about justice, equipping them with a mindset of compassion and resilience that will shape their future endeavors.
Connecting to the Legacy of Public Defense
The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a voice in the legal system. Defenders of Tomorrow carries this mission forward, ensuring the next generation appreciates the significance and legacy of public defense. Students learn about the office’s history, tracing its roots to the tireless advocacy of trailblazers like Mildred Johnson. At a time when Monroe County lacked a Public Defender’s Office, Johnson accompanied Black families to city court as an advocate, despite not having formal legal training. Her dedication, alongside the efforts of the FIGHT organization, led to the establishment of Monroe County’s first formal Public Defender’s Office in 1968, breaking barriers and advancing justice for all. This connection to legacy is vital. Students discover how public defense is a dynamic field requiring not only legal expertise but also a commitment to equity and advocacy. These stories demonstrate the courage and dedication of individuals who built the foundation for public defense in Rochester, NY and Monroe County showing that justice work has always been about care and community.
A standout moment came when a student reflected on how this understanding reshaped their view of the legal system, saying, “I didn’t know justice could look like this—like care.” By connecting students to this rich history, Defenders of Tomorrow inspires them to see public defense not just as a job, but as a profound commitment to humanity.
Building a Movement
Defenders of Tomorrow is part of a larger movement to reimagine justice. By integrating mentorship, education, and trauma-informed practices, we aim to create a ripple effect that touches every corner of the justice system. The enthusiasm of my colleagues at the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office has been inspiring, and their commitment to mentoring students demonstrates the collective passion that fuels our work.
I think back to a recent visit with students from Greece Odyssey Academy, where we guided them through the Monroe County Legislature and the law library, exposing them to the heart of our justice system. Watching them engage with attorneys and ask questions about careers in law reminded me of why this work matters. Moments like these mirror the pride I feel when connecting with students that I encounter in various educational spaces throughout my journey—seeing the potential in the next generation to lead, inspire, and advocate.
Defenders of Tomorrow focuses on inspiring a meaningful connection to the work and its impact. One of my most memorable interactions involved a mentee reflecting on how our program reframed their understanding of justice, saying, “I didn’t know justice could feel like empowerment.” That sense of empowerment extends to our structured activities, like mock trials and courtroom shadowing, which not only prepare students for careers in law but also help them see their role as changemakers in their communities.
As I collaborate with partners across Monroe County, I’m reminded of the legacy we’re building—one that spans from the heart of the City of Rochester to the county’s farthest reaches, connecting stories, experiences, and opportunities.
My work as Diversity Coordinator has shown me that when we align mentorship with systemic change, we create pathways for others to rise. This program if done right, has the potential to become a national model, setting a standard for how public defender offices can be catalysts for transformative justice.
A Vision for the Future
In the years to come, I hope Defenders of Tomorrow grows into a cornerstone of our outreach efforts. I envision partnerships with more schools, deeper engagement with students, and a broader impact that resonates beyond Monroe County. Our future lies in the hands of young people who see justice as more than a destination—it is a journey they will help shape.
Justice is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Defenders of Tomorrow is our blueprint for that construction. Together, we are shaping a future where justice thrives not just in courtrooms but in communities across the nation.
As we continue building the future of justice together, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here. How do our personal experiences shape our ability to create systemic change? In my next piece, I will explore the intersection of lived experience and trauma-informed leadership, sharing how my own path—from adversity to advocacy—has guided my vision for Defenders of Tomorrow. Together, we can imagine a justice system built not only on law but on care, resilience, and hope.