Destiny Gilliard
Charlotte,NC
Summary
I am a recent graduate of Fayetteville State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.00 GPA and was consistently named to the Chancellor’s List. Through my coursework and experiences, I have built strong skills in legal research, writing, and analysis that help me understand complex legal and policy issues. My experiences have shaped my goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. I am passionate about standing up for people whose rights have been violated and working toward fairness in the legal system. I want to help challenge injustice and support efforts that protect equal rights for all communities. My ability to think critically and communicate clearly allows me to advocate effectively and understand the needs of those impacted by legal systems. I am excited to bring my skills, dedication, and passion for justice into a professional setting. I am also eager to learn from experienced attorneys and policymakers so I can continue growing and become a strong advocate for civil rights and equal justice.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Fellow
UNC Chapel Hill Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
05.2026 - Current
- Engaged in an intensive faculty-mentored research apprenticeship focused on interdisciplinary study in the social sciences and humanities.
- Conducted original research by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing academic sources using advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Participated in weekly seminars, graduate school preparation workshops, and GRE preparation sessions to strengthen academic readiness and standardized testing skills.
- Developed and presented research findings through formal academic presentations, demonstrating strong critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
Legal Assistant Intern
Fayetteville State University Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program
Fayetteville, North Carolina
05.2026 - Current
- Participated in a competitive Pre-Law Scholars Program focused on legal education, LSAT preparation, and professional development in law school readiness.
- Completed a 3-credit Summer Internship Preparation Course emphasizing legal research, writing, and foundational law school skills.
- Engaged in structured LSAT preparation training designed to strengthen analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and exam performance strategies.
- Participated in the JD-Next credentialing pathway to enhance readiness for law school coursework and legal analysis.
- Developed skills in legal writing, case analysis, and structured argumentation through guided academic instruction.
Teaching Assistant (TA)
Early Childhood Learning Center
Fayetteville, North Carolina
01.2026 - Current
- Supported daily classroom operations as a Teaching Assistant in an Early Childhood Learning Center, working with infants through pre-kindergarten (ages 6 months–5 years) to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
- Assisted with diaper changes, bottle and meal feeding, and nap routines for 8–12 children per shift, using timers to track sleep, feeding, and care schedules to ensure consistent daily routines.
- Facilitated playtime and early learning activities that supported social, motor, and early cognitive development, increasing student engagement and positive behavior throughout the day.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary classroom environment by regularly sanitizing toys, washing dishes, and organizing materials to support health, safety, and compliance standards.
Zero-L Program
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts
10.2025 - Current
- Completed a 6-week intensive program covering 5 core 1L subjects: Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Constitutional Law, and Torts.
- Analyzed and interpreted over 20 case studies, improving legal reasoning accuracy by 30%.
- Applied foundational legal concepts to draft 3 mock legal briefs, demonstrating 100% mastery of course objectives.
- Collaborated with a cohort of 50+ peers in online discussion forums to strengthen critical thinking and argumentation skills.
Yard Ambassador & Influencer
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Fayetteville, North Carolina
08.2025 - Current
- Promote over 30+ scholarship, internship, and job opportunities to HBCU students through engaging social media campaigns and targeted on-campus outreach.
- Host and coordinate more than 5 campus events and information sessions per semester, reaching an average of 100+ students to increase awareness of TMCF programs and empower peers to apply for academic and professional opportunities.
- Partner with TMCF staff and university leadership to boost student participation by 25% in national competitions, fellowships, and leadership development programs.
- Serve as a trusted liaison between students and 10+ corporate and organizational partners, connecting them to valuable career resources and expanding professional networking opportunities.
- (TMCF) Yard Ambassador & Influencer
Democracy Fellow
Democracy Matters Organization
Fayetteville, North Carolina
08.2025 - Current
- Educated approximately 150–200 students on voting rights and ballot access through campus-wide civic engagement events and classroom presentations.
- Organized and led 3 voter registration drives and 2 educational workshops, contributing to a notable rise in student voter awareness and participation.
- Distributed nonpartisan election materials across campus and online platforms to ensure students received accurate, accessible voting information.
- Facilitated policy discussions on civic responsibility and mentored peers to strengthen youth engagement in local and national elections.
CCP Alumni Ambassador
Cumberland School of Law
Birmingham, Alabama
08.2025 - Current
- Represent Cumberland Connection at regional recruitment events, engaging prospective students and families by sharing personal experiences and program benefits.
- Host and coordinate 2–3 check-ins or reunion events per semester, connecting current CCP students with alumni, identifying prospective local students, and providing referrals to strengthen program enrollment.
Research Institute for Scholars of Equity (RISE) Fellowship
North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
06.2025 - Current
- Conducted quantitative research on Black maternal health during an eight-week summer institute focused on educational equity and social justice.
- Collaborated with 14+ faculty mentors and scholars in 5 Research Interest Groups to investigate systemic disparities affecting African American and Latino/a pre-kindergarten through college (PK–20) students.
- Collected data on Black maternal health and presented the findings to university faculty, doctoral researchers, and fellow RISE scholars, strengthening both public speaking and academic communication skills.
- Completed 3+ Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) certification for human subjects research and engaged in Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and graduate school preparation workshops.
- Expanded academic network through interdisciplinary collaboration with students and faculty from the partner institution, the University of Southern California.
Cumberland Connection Scholar
Cumberland Connection Scholar
Birmingham, Alabama
05.2025 - Current
- Participated in 5 rigorous law school-level courses in a structured academic program, developing a strong foundation in legal principles and case analysis.
- Delivered a defense presentation in a mock trial simulation before a trial attorney, strengthening litigation and public speaking skills.
- Engaged in 10+ focused sessions on bar exam and LSAT preparation, gaining critical strategies for law school admissions and future licensure success.
- Explored externship and clinical opportunities through 5+ workshop programs, building awareness of practical pathways to apply legal knowledge.
- Successfully completed the program and received a certificate of completion, demonstrating commitment to pre-law development.
- Participated in networking events with 15+ lawyers and judges, gaining first-hand career advice and exposure to diverse legal journeys.
Road To Hire Intern
Red Adventures United States
Charlotte, North Carolina
08.2022 - Current
- Intern at Road to Hire, collaborating with a team of eight on five major projects focused on career development and youth empowerment.
- Designed and implemented three career development programs, equipping 50+ underprivileged youth with essential skills and job opportunities.
- Helped 30 individuals secure internships and job placements, supporting Road to Hire’s mission to bridge the opportunity divide.
Ignite Fellow
Teach For America
Fayetteville, North Carolina
01.2026 - 05.2026
- Provided virtual reading tutoring through the Teach For America Ignite Fellowship, supporting 1st-grade students at Heronville Elementary School (Oklahoma City) and helping strengthen phonics, decoding, and reading confidence.
- Delivered one-on-one and small-group literacy instruction to 5–10 students per session in a virtual setting, resulting in improved fluency and accuracy when reading grade-level text.
- Used data-driven, evidence-based reading strategies to address individual skill gaps, leading to increased student engagement and consistent reading progress over time.
- Built supportive relationships with students during virtual sessions, encouraging participation and helping students become more confident reading aloud.
Legal Assistant Intern
The Legal Pathway Society
Palm Beach, Florida
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Conducted extensive legal research and analyzed mock case files to strengthen arguments for 10+ student-led projects, resulting in more comprehensive and well-supported case brief submissions.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents including contracts, agreements, and client briefs under faculty and executive supervision, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Collaborated with student attorneys to prepare case materials and present findings during mock hearings, demonstrating professional communication and critical legal reasoning.
- Engaged in 3–4 mock client interviews, summarizing case discussions and contributing to strategy meetings, which enhanced team understanding of client-centered practice.
Second Year Mentor
Second Year Mentor
Morrisville, North Carolina
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Mentored five first-year interns through weekly mental health check-ins and one-on-one meetings, fostering personal and professional growth.
- Led student support during Orientation and Midpoint Weeks, helping peers manage program expectations and deadlines.
- Coordinated a $500 civic engagement mini-grant campaign, organizing events and guiding student participation.
- Advised interns on crafting and delivering policy-focused speeches at the NC State Capitol, promoting legislative awareness.
- Designed and led “Fun Fridays” to promote wellness and build community among interns.
- Facilitated book club sessions on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, encouraging civic reflection and critical dialogue.
Organizing Development Intern
Cape Fear Valley Health
Fayetteville, North Carolina
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Shadowed professionals across five departments, including Healthcare Finance, Human resources, Legal, Supply Chain, and Talent Acquisition & Recruitment, to gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations and career pathways.
- Attended seven hospital events, engaging with 10+ industry leaders to expand my knowledge of healthcare initiatives and build a professional network.
- Collaborated with a team of five interns to create a project analyzing each department’s functions and significance, strengthening my teamwork, research, and presentation skills.
Campus Coordinator Contractor
Campus Coordinator Contractor
Fayetteville, North Carolina
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Organized five campus voter education events, engaging 50+ students and increasing voter participation.
- Led three registration drives, registering 150+ students and ensuring informed voting decisions.
- Partnered with 10 community leaders to expand outreach, providing election resources to 100 students for a well-prepared voter base.
Organizing Intern
Democracy of North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
05.2024 - 07.2024
- Advocated for marginalized communities by speaking at the NC General Assembly and meeting with judges, lawyers, and 15+ bipartisan legislators, influencing discussions on policy changes.
- Led voter outreach efforts, collaborating with 5 Greek Fraternities and sorority organizations and 10+ business leaders to educate 200+ residents, resulting in increased voter registration and civic awareness.
- Raised $500 through a mini-grant and organized a movie event at Fayetteville State University, engaging 50+ attendees and strengthening community involvement in civic education.
High School Programming Intern
Lenovo United States
Durham, North Carolina
06.2023 - 08.2023
- High School Programming Intern, collaborating with a team of five to develop and organize a coding contest.
- Designed a graphic design project tailored for 50+ high school students, applying creativity and technical skills.
- Presented final project findings at the end of the internship, highlighting contributions to the high school programming team.
Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Completed the Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program, gaining a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and key legal principles.
- Mentored by three legal professionals, I enhanced my understanding of the legal field through direct guidance and insight.
- Participated in two internships, three mock trials, and five networking events, developing practical skills and real-world legal experience.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina05-2026
Zero-L Program - undefined
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts12-2025
Skills
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word (2023), Excel (2023), PowerPoint (2023), Outlook (2023), Microsoft 365 (2024), SharePoint (2024)
- Google Workspace: Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Classroom
- HTML/CSS Coding
- Research and Data Analysis
- Academic Writing and Editing
- Public Speaking and Presentations
- Administrative Support and Scheduling
- Document Management and Record Keeping
- Social Media Management
- Event Planning and Program Coordination
- Customer Service and Community Outreach
- Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- Ability to Manage Multiple Projects Under Tight Deadlines
- Leadership and Team Collaboration
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fayetteville State University with a 4.00 GPA in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies.
- Named to the Chancellor’s List four times for strong academic performance.
- Completed the Harvard Law School Zero-L Program, gaining foundational knowledge in Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Constitutional Law, Torts, Legal Reasoning, Case Analysis, and Legal Writing.
- Selected as a Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program Research Fellow at UNC Chapel Hill, where I conducted original research and presented academic findings.
- Participated in the Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program, strengthening my skills in legal research, writing, LSAT preparation, case analysis, and structured legal argumentation.
- Served as a Teach For America Ignite Fellow, providing virtual reading support to first-grade students and helping strengthen their reading confidence, phonics, and decoding skills.
- Promoted over 30 scholarship, internship, and job opportunities to HBCU students as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Yard Ambassador and Influencer.
- Educated approximately 150–200 students on voting rights and ballot access through Democracy Matters civic engagement events and classroom presentations.
- Organized voter registration drives, educational workshops, and nonpartisan civic engagement events to increase student voter awareness.
- Completed multiple certifications in child development, legal readiness, data literacy, domestic violence advocacy, psychological first aid, and suicide prevention.
Affiliations
- Fayetteville State University Honors Program
- Harvard Law School Zero-L Program
- UNC Chapel Hill Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program
- Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program
- Teach For America Ignite Fellowship
- Early Childhood Learning Center
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- The Legal Pathway Society
- Democracy Matters Organization
- North Carolina Central University Research Institute for Scholars of Equity Fellowship
- Cumberland School of Law Cumberland Connection Program
- Cape Fear Valley Health
- Democracy North Carolina
- Lenovo High School Programming Internship
- Road to Hire
- National HBCU Pre-Law Summit
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Matriculation Institute
- National Society of Leadership and Success
- Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society
- HBCU Vote Council
- National Urban League BEEP Ambassador Program
- Agents of Unity
- Student Activities Council
- Communities In Schools
- TRIO Upward Bound
- Deloitte Academy
- Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
- Right Moves for Youth
- National Honor Society
- DECA
- McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program
- North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Certification
- Introduction to North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development| NCDOT| March 2026
- Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment | Positive Childhood Alliance | March 2026
- Infant/ Toddler Safe Sleep and SIDS Risk Reduction | At Ease Business Solutions | February 2026
- Harvard Law School Zero-L Program | December 2025
- Anger Management Certification | Diversion Hope and Training Center | November 2025
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) | August 2025
- Conflict of Interest CITI Program | July 2025
- Graduate Student Basic Course CITI Program | July 2025
- SAS | Data Literacy Essentials Badge | July 2025
- SAS | Data Literacy in Practice Badge | July 2025
- NCCADV North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence | June 2025
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certification | QPR Institute | March 2025
- HBCU Health & Wellness Accelerator | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center| March 2024
- HBCU Leadership Accelerator| Deloitte| April 2024
- HBCU Wealth Accelerator| U.S. Bank| April 2024
- Indeed Job Search Certification | Indeed | April 2024
- RAD Self-Defense Certification | February 2023
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Professional Working
Interests
My interests include pre-law, family law, civil rights, nonprofit leadership, legal advocacy, domestic violence advocacy, sexual assault advocacy, voting rights, nonpartisan civic engagement, education equity, mentorship, and supporting Black student success
Timeline
Research Fellow
UNC Chapel Hill Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship
05.2026 - Current
Legal Assistant Intern
Fayetteville State University Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program
05.2026 - Current
Teaching Assistant (TA)
Early Childhood Learning Center
01.2026 - Current
Ignite Fellow
Teach For America
01.2026 - 05.2026
Zero-L Program
Harvard Law School
10.2025 - Current
Yard Ambassador & Influencer
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
08.2025 - Current
Democracy Fellow
Democracy Matters Organization
08.2025 - Current
CCP Alumni Ambassador
Cumberland School of Law
08.2025 - Current
Research Institute for Scholars of Equity (RISE) Fellowship
North Carolina Central University
06.2025 - Current
Legal Assistant Intern
The Legal Pathway Society
06.2025 - 09.2025
Second Year Mentor
Second Year Mentor
06.2025 - 07.2025
Cumberland Connection Scholar
Cumberland Connection Scholar
05.2025 - Current
Organizing Development Intern
Cape Fear Valley Health
02.2025 - 05.2025
Campus Coordinator Contractor
Campus Coordinator Contractor
08.2024 - 11.2024
Organizing Intern
Democracy of North Carolina
05.2024 - 07.2024
High School Programming Intern
Lenovo United States
06.2023 - 08.2023
Judge Ola M. Lewis Pre-Law Scholars Program
Fayetteville State University
05.2023 - 08.2023
Road To Hire Intern
Red Adventures United States
08.2022 - Current
Zero-L Program - undefined
Harvard Law School
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Fayetteville State University
HONORS & AWARDS
Certificate Of Design Philosophy (March 2022-present), Communities In Schools (April 2021-2023), Trio Bound Upward (April-2023), Deloitte Academy Completion (May 2022-2023), Spanish Excellence Award (May-2023), Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (May-2023), Right Moves for Youth (May-2023), Education Over Debt (May-2023), National Honor Society (August 2021-2023), Distribution Education Club of America (August 2022–2023), Darrell T. Allison Chancellor’s List 4x (December 2023-2026), Inaugural Women in Excellence Academic Engagement Award (April 2024-2025), Matriculation Institute Organization Female “Hustler” of the Year (April 2024-2026), Highest L.E.A.D. Mentee GPA (April 2025-2026), McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship (August 2025-2026), North Carolina Democracy Fellow Distinguished Award (November 2025-2026), Democracy Matters Academic & Civic Excellence Award (April 2025–2026)., Democracy Matters Leadership & Service Award (April 2025–2026), Democracy Matters Civic Engagement Excellence Award ( April 2025–2026), Democracy Matters Outstanding Leadership Award (April 2025–2026)
Darrell T. Allison Chancellor’s List 4x (December 2023-2026) Inaugural Women in Excellence Academic
I would like employers to know that I am passionate about law, public service, research, and helping people in my community. I have experience in legal research, writing, mentoring, tutoring, voter education, event planning, and public speaking. I am especially interested in civil rights law, family law, nonprofit work, public interest work, policy, and legal advocacy. I enjoy supporting students, serving my community, and learning about issues that affect underserved groups. I also have strong skills in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, research, data analysis, social media, and communication. I am a hardworking and motivated person who is always willing to learn, grow, and use my skills to make a positive difference.