DEI Champions

Julie D. Lawton joined DePaul in 2011. She previously taught at Georgetown University Law Center. She received her JD, cum laude, from Howard University School of Law, LLM from Georgetown University Law Center, and BS in Business Administration (Finance), magna cum laude, from Florida A&M University. She also worked as an attorney and development consultant in residential real estate development in Washington, D.C., including owning a real estate development company. Prior to her career in real estate, she practiced for a number of years in the Financial Services group at Morrison & Foerster in Washington, D.C. providing legal counsel on consumer credit issues to large banks and credit card issuers. Prior to her legal career, she worked as a financial analyst in the Commercial Banking group at Bank of America in Atlanta, GA and in summer positions at a Wall Street investment bank and multiple commercial banks.

Her work has appeared in the Michigan Journal of Race and Law, the Indiana Law Review, the UMKC Law Review, and the Washington University Journal of Law and Policy. She authored the textbook, Business Fundamentals for Law Students, which introduces law students to foundational concepts in business. Her media appearances include CBS News Chicago, Fox News Chicago, and ABC News Chicago.

Since joining DePaul, she has served in several leadership capacities including as Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, Chair of the University Faculty Council Budget Committee, member of the University Faculty Council Executive Committee, and as Chair of the law school Curriculum Committee.

Dr. Ana Vázquez-Rivera has over 20 years of professional experience in the field of education, specializing in diversity initiatives, student affairs, and teaching. In her current role, she is responsible for diversity, wellness and student leadership programming.

Dr. Vazquez-Rivera holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a Ph.D. from Loyola University-Chicago. Her dissertation documented the college experiences of Latinx students at predominantly White higher education institutions.

Dr. Vazquez-Rivera has committed much of her research and education advocacy to fostering positive educational experiences for students, particularly diverse students and helping them achieve their educational goals. Contact her at (312)362-8299 or AVAZQUEZ@depaul.edu.

The DePaul Law Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee seeks to create a community where different voices are valued; to eliminate barriers and encourage awareness; and to share experiences, so that others may learn. We are one. We are many.

Members:

• Paula Acosta (JD ’25)

• Anum Ali (JD ’26)

• Drew Gaines (JD ’25)

• Simon Hernandez (JD ’26)

• De’Avion Hughes (JD ’26)

• Manmeen Kaur (JD ’26)

• Maneet Kooner (JD ’26)

• Cassandra Marlow (JD ’25)

• Marc Montano (JD ’25)

• Jessica Obi (JD ’25)

• Sara Sabri (JD ’26)

• Anahita Safarzadeh (JD ’26)

• Adriana Sanchez (JD ’25)

• Worood Shouli (JD ’26)

• Alyssa White (JD ’25)

The faculty and staff Diversity, Inclusion & Community-Building Committee works in consultation with the Dean to improve the diversity of and inclusion in the law school community through programs of interest, professional development for the entire law school community, building collaborations across the law school, and working with the Dean to implement the recommendations of the law alumni Diversity Council.

Members:

Benjamin E. Alba
Director of Academic Success
balba@depaul.edu

Jesse Cheng
Assistant Professor of Law
jesse.cheng@depaul.edu

Allen Moye, Chair
Associate Dean for Information Technology and Library Services; Director, Rinn Law Library; Associate Professor of Law
amoye@depaul.edu

Nicole Pinkey
Events & CLE Manager
npinkey@depaul.edu

Ana Vazquez-Rivera
Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Student Life
avazquez@depaul.edu

David Rodriguez 
Director, Civil Litigation Clinic; Professor of Legal Practice
drodri38@depaul.edu

The newly created Alumni Diversity Council offers critical support, guidance, and oversight on the College of Law's anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion efforts. The all-alumni council provides direct feedback to the law school's administration and supports DePaul Law. Read more >>

The faculty and staff Public Interest Law & Public Service Committee helps train and support the next generation of public interest law attorneys, advocates for financial resources for students and alumni in the public interest field, and promotes and integrates all College of Law social justice initiatives.

Members:

Jesse Cheng
Assistant Professor of Law
jesse.cheng@depaul.edu

David Franklin
Associate Professor of Law
dfrankl2@depaul.edu

Elizabeth Boe 
Assitant Director, Office of Professional & Career Development; Public Service Law & Director of Pro Bono Community Service Initiative
eboe@depaul.edu

Shaye Loughlin, Chair
Executive Director, Center for Public Interest Law
sloughli@depaul.edu

Jody Marcucci
Senior Professional Lecturer; Associate Director, Legal Analysis, Research & Communication
jmarcucc@depaul.edu

David Rodriguez
Director, Third Year in Practice Program
drodri38@depaul.edu