Jeanelle Angus | 2025 Voice & Vision Award Recipient

“For the woman who speaks truth, sparks minds, and strengthens the movement.”

Growing up in a multicultural household as a Cuban-Jamaican woman, Jeanelle Angus quickly learned what it meant to be underestimated, overlooked, and pushed to the margins. Her identity as a first-generation Black law student shaped not only her pathbut her purpose.

Now a Rising 3L at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, Jeanelle is using her voice and vision to build a future grounded in equity, advocacy, and community.

She is the 2025 recipient of the Voice & Vision Award, an honor that recognizes a student using her platform, creativity, or advocacy to spark change and Jeanelle has done just that.

Her journey began with adversity. Jeanelle faced obstacles that many would consider insurmountable. But rather than retreat, she rose.

Her first year of law school was marked by isolation and personal struggle. But with the support of mentors in the legal professions and her village. Jeanelle found the strength to not only continue but to create.

Founding Lawyers With Melanin®, Inc.

In March 2022, just weeks before her birthday, Jeanelle launched Lawyers With Melanin®, Inc. a nonprofit dedicated to increasing minority representation in the legal field.

The organization provides mentorship, guidance, and scholarships to pre-law and law students of color. It also supports current attorneys through networking, branding, and career development.

“We cannot get there on our own, but we can with the love and support from each other—especially those who have faced similar experiences and barriers.”

Through her organization, Jeanelle is helping break down the barriers she once faced, creating community in a profession where too many still feel alone. Her mission is rooted in service, but her vision is far-reaching.

A Future of Justice

With plans to establish her own law firm specializing in civil rights litigation, immigration, family law, and intellectual property for minority business owners, Jeanelle’s work will continue to center marginalized voices. Long term, she aims to become a judge where she can shape laws and policies that protect and uplift people of color.

Her passion is personal. Her voice is powerful. And her vision is one we proudly honor.

Congratulations, Jeanelle. Your journey reminds us that advocacy begins with lived experience, and leadership begins with breaking barriers.