Hello, my name is Susan. I am a 2026 graduate with a master’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College, completing a milestone I began decades ago before embarking on my professional career. I previously earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Oswego, graduating with a 3.8 GPA in both programs. My life changed profoundly after the passing of my partner, a prominent New York City criminal defense attorney for more than 25 years. He dedicated his life to fighting social injustice and consistently encouraged me to follow the same path. Although I built a successful career as a corporate sales executive, his influence and the events that followed reshaped my purpose. About a year after his passing, I became a victim of social injustice myself. I was targeted in a racially motivated incident involving a corrupt NYPD officer who falsely accused me of another woman’s crime in order to steal my leased vehicle. In the aftermath, my career was destroyed, and I faced severe financial hardship as I fought to clear my name. Despite ongoing obstruction, I refused to be defeated. Instead, I chose to transform this experience into purpose. I realized that the work my partner devoted his life to is far from finished, and I am committed to continuing that fight. My journey has strengthened my resolve to advocate for justice, accountability, and systemic reform. “It’s only by being bold that you get anywhere.” — Richard Branson.