2026 winner BIOGRAPHIES
| Asia is a proud Milwaukeean. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University, majoring in Social Welfare and Justice with a minor in Criminology and Law Studies and a concentration in Victim Services. After graduation, she worked as an advocate and case manager serving individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Asia later earned her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where her graduate research focused on the criminalization of survivors of sex trafficking. Prior to law school, she served as the Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, leading statewide efforts to strengthen responses to child sex trafficking. Asia is currently a 2L at Marquette University Law School. As she pursues her law degree, Asia aspires to build a career dedicated to expanding access to justice for survivors of violence, protecting the rights of children—especially those involved in the child welfare and youth justice systems—and advancing efforts to interrupt the pathways from victimization to criminalization. |
Asia JacksonLydia is a 3L at the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is from Cashton, WI and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. During her undergraduate summers, Lydia interned at Bosshard Parke, Ltd in La Crosse and at the Milwaukee Justice Center where she worked in the family forms clinic. After graduating in December of 2023, Lydia worked at Bosshard Parke as a paralegal until she started law school in the fall of 2024. Over the past two summers, Lydia has pursued her passion for family law by clerking at Hahn, Wallace & Associates in Madison. She has also gained family law experience through involvement in the Family Legal Advocacy and Support Clinic at UW Law School during her 2L year and this past summer. Additionally, Lydia is a member of the Mock Trial team, where she participated in a competition this past spring. Outside of law school, Lydia enjoys spending time on her family’s dairy farm, attending concerts and live sporting events, and being with her friends and family. After graduation, Lydia plans to practice in Wisconsin and pursue a career in family law. |
Lydia Korn |
Elena Kruse | Elena is a 2L at the University of Wisconsin Law School. After completing her 1L year at Marquette University Law School, she is excited to continue her legal studies at UW Law, where she will be closer to her family in Madison and the distinctive professional opportunities available in the capital city. Prior to law school, Elena worked as a legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Legislature and, most recently, as a Government & Public Affairs Specialist at the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office. Elena's background in state government brings a unique perspective to her legal studies. She plans to combine her public policy experience and legal knowledge to continue serving the people of Wisconsin after law school. Elena lives on Madison's east side with her husband, Jalen, and their dog, Auggie. |
Taima is a 3L at Marquette University Law School. She was born in Syria and immigrated to the U.S. in 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and moved to Chicago, where she worked in the nonprofit sector for two years before starting law school in 2024. During her time in Chicago, she helped under-resourced communities gain access to education and sustainable career opportunities. During law school, Taima gained experience through a variety of internships that helped her discover her passion. She has interned in-house at an international company, served as a judicial intern at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, worked with the attorneys at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and served as a research assistant to Dean Grossman. Taima is spending this semester in Madrid, where she will be taking international law courses. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in international law, where she can combine her Arabic language skills with the experience she is gaining during her time abroad. Taima loves traveling and learning about new cultures, so she is especially excited for her time in Spain. Taima also enjoys spending time with her five-year-old Aussiedoodle. |
Taima Saei |
Emily Smith Shirley S. Abrahamson Scholarship | Emily is a 3L at the University of Wisconsin Law School. She grew up in Rice Lake, WI and completed her undergraduate studies at the College of Saint Benedict, in St. Joseph, MN, where she majored in Global Business Leadership and Data Analytics. Emily’s interest in the law began early. Her mother founded Smith and Smith Law Office the year before Emily was born, and she grew up watching her mom and stepdad build a practice rooted in service to their community. Seeing her mom balance the demands of the profession with motherhood shaped Emily’s understanding of what a meaningful legal career and life can look like. Her mother continues to inspire Emily’s own path. During law school, Emily had the privilege of working in the Restraining Order and Victim Advocacy Clinic, competing in Mock Trial, and interning with the Dane County Corporation Counsel in the child welfare division. These experiences strengthened her commitment to serving individuals—especially women and children—who need compassionate, effective legal support. After graduation, Emily plans to return to Northern Wisconsin to practice at Smith and Smith Law Office and continue contributing to the rural community that shaped her. |
Adriana is a 3L at the University of Wisconsin Law School, pursuing a career in community organizing and immigration law. She was born in Quiringuicharo, Michoacan, Mexico, and raised in Romeoville, IL. Adriana obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University with majors in psychology and criminal justice. Before law school, Adriana was a Civic Engagement Organizer and Immigration Legal Clinic Coordinator with the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project (SSIP), a community organization in the Chicagoland area. There, Adriana built on her prior experience as a paralegal for a private immigration law firm and obtained Department of Justice Partial Accreditation in early 2025. As an accredited representative, she provides legal representation to SSIP’s clients on immigration matters before the Department of Homeland Security. This is Adriana’s second year as a clinical student with the Immigrant Justice Center and secretary to La Alianza. When she is not studying or working, Adriana loves to read romance books, support Chicago sports, and enjoy live music. |
Adriana Trejo Virginia A. Pomeroy Scholarship |
PAST Scholarship winners
2025 2024 2023 2022 Sarah Bondar ^Dusty Gross 2021 Sebrina Dixon 2020 *Mckenna Rae Kohlenberg *Liz Simonis | 2019 Erin Bartenstein 2018 *Taylor Brisco 2017 Alisha Esselstein 2016 Alexandra AbernethyHannah Dockendorff *Whitney Ederer *Courtney Roelandts 2015 Alixandra Jacobson 2014 Liz Bradley 2013 Chelsey Metcalf | 2012 *Kelliann Blazek 2011 *Susan Barranco 2010 Lora Chupita 2009 Erin Page Fitzgerald 2008 *Melanie Black 2007 Rachel Abhold 2006 Krisstine Ebner | 2005 2004 2003 Jessica Shoemaker 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 |
*Virginia A. Pomeroy Scholarship ^Shirley S. Abrahamson Scholarship |