Sofia Ramirez Iturribarria, is originally from Mexico. A mother of four beautiful children and happily married. Currently a student at Columbus State Community College pursuing to become a Paralegal specializing in immigration law. It has been a challenge for her to manage work, school, and family, however, she believes that when you want to succeed in life, to excel, to fulfill your dreams, the sky is the limit. In summer of this year, she had the opportunity to do my internship at Flecha Law Firm. After completing it, attorney Crucita Flecha and Cynthia Vivekanandam offered her a job as a Paralegal. She is a dedicated bilingual providing outstanding attorney support in and out of court. Her future plan is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and then become a successful attorney at immigration law.

Being able to work more closely with people who need help to obtain legal status, or to reconnect with their loved ones and see their happiness when they receive good news is a satisfaction she cannot explain. Fighting for immigrant rights has always been a personal passion of Sofia's and their happiness is her reward.

Nominated by Catherine Ritterbusch | Columbus State Community College :
"Sofia Ramirez Iturribarria excels in her many roles as a paralegal student, parent, and community volunteer.   As a student, Sofia asks perceptive questions, demonstrates an impeccable attention to detail, and cares for her fellow students.  Sofia is also devoted to social justice, evident in her internship work supporting Central Ohio's immigrant populations."

Stacey McKenna is a paralegal student at Capital University Law School. Her passion is in post-conviction, specifically wrongful conviction work. Stacey’s motivation to work in this area of law derives from her time working as a prison librarian.

In addition to taking classes on nights and weekends at Capital and working full-time as a librarian at Ohio State Newark, Stacey has also been working diligently outside the classroom. For the past two years she has been collaborating with a renowned Cleveland attorney as a legal advocate for a wrongfully convicted person. She has also volunteered for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center helping Returning Citizens fill out Certificates for Qualified Employment and is the lead author on an upcoming article about how earning an education while incarcerated effects recidivism rates, which she hopes to have published in the Journal of Correctional Education. Stacey is also the recipient of PACO’s 2021 Paralegal Student Scholarship.

Nominated By: Lisa Diem | Capital Law :
"Stacey is very proactive about her career. She’s extremely passionate about prisoner rights and post-conviction relief cases."

Cindy Bruskin is a full time Paralegal Studies student at Columbus State Community College scheduled to graduate Spring 2022.  She currently works as a social work assistant for the Franklin County Office on Aging, Adult Protective Services department.  She is driven to complete her paralegal degree to further her passion for social justice and advocacy.  After graduating, she hopes to continue her education at The Ohio State University to work toward a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Decision Making, specializing in Environmental and Social Justice.  Cindy plans to continue using the ethics, skills, and legal applications taught in the Paralegal Studies program as she continues her education and career.

Originally from New Jersey, Cindy’s passion for the law, environment, education, and helping others started early.  In elementary school, her interest in the law and curiosity about the rules that guide society and protect individuals and our rights was ignited while helping her mother study for her own paralegal studies degree.  Her love of the environment and passion for advocacy and education were driven by her family and lifelong involvement with Girl Scouts.

Nominated By: Catherine Ritterbusch | Columbus State Community College :
"Cynthia Bruskin has shown exceptional commitment to her paralegal education and to the Program. She has been a leader of the Student Paralegal Association for the duration of the pandemic, remaining dedicated even as she transitioned employment to a new and exciting opportunity. Cindy is passionate about professional excellence and is a strong advocate for her peers."