Alana Brown
Alana Brown, J.D. is a nationally recognized attorney, human rights advocate, and social sector leader committed to advancing justice and equity for Black women and communities of color. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Court Watch Montgomery, Alana brings her legal expertise and unwavering passion for gender-based violence prevention to the forefront of systemic reform. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, legal advocacy, and strategic consulting, she is known for bridging the gap between policy and lived experience, especially for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Alana is the Founder and CEO of A Cultured Business, a consulting firm dedicated to elevating Black and BIPOC women leaders in the nonprofit sector through compliance support, capacity-building, and strategic advising. She also founded The Safe Sisters Circle, Washington D.C.'s first trauma-informed, culturally specific legal services nonprofit for Black women survivors. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including Washingtonian of the Year (2022) and recognition by the National Bar Association as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Legal Advocates. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and NYU, Alana’s impact continues to resonate across legal, nonprofit, and advocacy spaces, where she champions a more just, inclusive, and empowered future.
• New York University- B.A.
• Georgetown University Law Center- J.D.
• NAACP
• National Bar Association, Greater Washington Area Chapter
• New York County Lawyer's Association
• Association of Black Women Attorneys Of New York City Area
• American Bar Association
• Women's Bar Association of Washington, DC
• Washington Council of Lawyers- Pro Bono Bar for Washington, DC
• Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was: if you go into the community, keep your promise, build trust, and be authentic—because real change only happens when people know they can count on you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with authenticity and integrity, take bold risks, and never be afraid to unapologetically be yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is securing sustainable funding for our foundation while strategically expanding our network to amplify impact and reach.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous growth through reading, maintaining balance and wellness, and staying deeply connected to my family—especially my nieces, who inspire me every day.