Former members of the Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development (JCRED) at St. John’s University School of Law have returned to serve as Alumni Advisors, supporting current students in their academic and professional development.
Makousse Ilboudo, a 2016 graduate and now Executive Director of the New York City Mayor’s Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Assistance, reflected on her experience with JCRED. “Being an Alumni Advisor feels like coming full circle,” said Ilboudo. “JCRED helped me find my professional voice, and I want to do the same for the next generation of St. John’s lawyers. There is something rewarding about helping others bridge the gap between academia and the practical realities of using law to serve the public. I know how transformative those conversations can be as they shape how future lawyers think about justice, equity, and their role in advancing both.”
Joining Ilboudo as Alumni Advisors this year are Ralph Carter ’14, Senior Counsel for Litigation & Cybersecurity Legal at Workday, and Ayanna Thomas ’15, General Counsel at Democracy Prep Public Schools. The advisors work closely with second-year law students (2Ls), guiding them through the process of developing scholarly notes for publication by providing feedback during regular meetings.
Carter described his own experience with mentorship: “I appreciated how my Alumni Advisor encouraged me to think critically about my JCRED note,” he said. “Now I’m proud to support the timely work of my advisees, who have chosen topics exploring how technological advancements—like Generative AI—challenge notions of equity and justice under the law.” He also contributed as a guest speaker in Perspectives on Justice, a required course that addresses issues related to racial, social, and economic justice. Carter noted: “I was very impressed with our discussion on Generative AI and the law. The students are clearly intentional about preparing themselves for what seems to be an incredible inflection point in the profession. They will be well equipped to navigate the changes in how law is practiced.”
Thomas discussed her focus on school suspension disparities affecting students with disabilities when she spoke with JCRED students: “I care deeply about students with disabilities and ensuring that schools are complying with special education law,” she said. “The Perspective on Justice students had small-group discussions on topics that resonated with them before we met as a class. They were thoughtful, engaged, and asked insightful questions that kept me on my toes.” She also highlighted her one-on-one advising sessions: “Our meeting collaborations have been a highlight,” Thomas explained. “They provide a safe space for students to openly reflect on their ideas, and I can help guide them in synthesizing their thoughts. I see myself as their creative thought partner. For example, we may work on bolstering topic sentences and headings, organizing sections of their note for clarity, or refining solutions to legal problems. It’s rewarding to witness the evolution of their writing from an initial idea to a polished work product.”
Professor Rosa Castello serves as Faculty Advisor for JCRED alongside Professor Elaine Chiu in teaching Perspectives on Justice. Castello commented: “Having Alumni Advisors is an opportunity for us and the students to expand our understanding about current civil rights practices and deepen our connection to alumni,” she said. “It’s really been wonderful to see our former students now in leadership and mentorship roles, making meaningful impacts in the profession while also helping guide and shape our current students to a similarly successful career path.”
Ilboudo emphasized her admiration for today’s JCRED participants: “They are not afraid to challenge long-standing assumptions or question the structures that perpetuate inequity,” she said. “They are committed to offering solutions—even if those solutions aren’t perfect. They blend critical thinking with imagination, and rigorous research with empathy. They see the law as both a tool and a responsibility, and watching them engage with issues of racial, social, and economic justice reminds me that progress is possible.”
