On February 9, Santa Clara Law hosted the 18th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Celebration, recognizing the work that has been done in encouraging diversity and inclusion, and the crucial role of scholarships and philanthropic support in expanding access to law school. The celebration directly supports the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights scholarship for students. Attendees arrived at the beautifully adorned Locatelli Student Activities Center at dusk, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, sharing hors d’oeuvres, and enjoying classical quartet music provided by Santa Clara University students.
Attendees at the 18th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Celebration
Jolee David, Assistant Dean of Advancement, introduced words of welcome, and Thiadora Piña, Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, offered opening remarks. “Tonight’s program is an important tradition,” Pina noted, “in which we honor exemplars and pillars in the legal profession and community, and our own students, for their commitment to inclusive excellence, social justice, human rights, and service to all communities.”
Dean Michael Kaufman offered remarks of gratitude to the assembled attendees. “Our commitment to an inclusive learning environment is intentional and comprehensive,” Kaufman commented. “This is reflected in the strong leadership of prominent and generous alumni, like Howard Charney for whom our law school is named, who is here tonight.”
The celebration’s events featured an acknowledgment of our 2024 award winners, beginning with the Organization of the Year Award, presented by representatives of Santa Clara Law’s Student Bar Association (SBA). The award acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of organizations that are committed to enhancing diversity and inclusivity; the 2024 winner of this award was Elevate Community Center. Elevate was founded in 2021 with a mission to support historically underserved communities in achieving long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Elevate’s services include financial literacy education as well as legal services in areas of domestic violence/family law, criminal record clearance, and other general civil litigation.
Sharine Xuan J.D. ‘21, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate
Carlos Rosario J.D. ‘11, Corporate Attorney San Jose Planning Commissioner
Sharine Xuan J.D. ‘21, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate, accepted the honor, sharing statistics and anecdotes on the diversity of her team. “I share this information not to impress all of you,” Xuan asserted, “but to impress upon you that having a diverse and inclusive team, from attorneys to paralegals to administrators, has enhanced and made better our client’s experience as they navigate the tumultuous legal system.”
Following the presentation of the Organization of the Year Award, SBA representatives took the stage once more to present the Social Justice and Human Rights Award. This award celebrates individuals who foster a diverse and inclusive legal profession, and further civil rights and social justice for those who have been traditionally underrepresented in society. The 2024 winner of the Social Justice and Human Rights Award honored at the night’s events was Carlos Rosario J.D. ‘11.
During his acceptance speech, Rosario shared key moments of his journey from law enforcement critic to law student to attorney, noting his experiences battling challenges in Medi-Cal and his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. Sharing his thoughts on diversity and inclusion, Rosario shared, “It’s on us! Everybody can be great… you don’t need a college degree to serve… you need to have a soul generated by love.” He added, “I encourage you to get out there and help your people. Go to a meeting for an hour a month on how to improve health care for some kids from an indigenous background, and how to improve the school that disadvantaged kids attend. Get on your city council, become a supervisor, or just get out there…”
Left to right: Dean Kaufman, Santa Clara Law students Mahlieli Bothi, Jason Yasin Cowan, Sukhi Johal, Molly Karasick, and Senior Director Dori Piña
Major Janae Lawson and Capt. Joseph Guthmann, United States Marine Corps
On behalf of the Scholarship Selection Committee, Professor Pina announced that Santa Clara Law students Mahlieli Bothi, Jason Yasin Cowan, Sukhi Johal, and Molly Karasick were selected for the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights scholarship. The scholarship is directly supported by our celebration sponsors, who helped to make this event possible: the U.S. Marine Corps, Duane Morris, Hopkins Carley, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri, Morgan Lewis, Pillsbury, Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, WilmerHale, Dorian Daley J.D. ‘86 and Michael Krautkramer, Ulysses and Judge Risë Pichon J.D. ‘76, and the Jachimowicz Law Group.
The United States Marine Corps—the event’s title sponsor—was represented by Major Janae Lawson, who gave remarks and introduced a video from Second Lieutenant Chris Bittel J.D. ’23, who spoke about the importance of inclusion. Bittel commented on the impact of diversity at the beginning of his time in the Marines. “The Marine Corps prides itself on diversity. This uniform is what we have in common,” stated Bittel. Major Lawson, in her own remarks, added, “Aim to be a catalyst for change: something that your younger self would be proud of.”
Thank you to our title sponsor, the United States Marine Corps, and all of our event sponsors for making this celebration memorable; recognizing the important work that our community undertakes would not be possible without their generosity and contributions!