Kayla Brown

I attribute my success to my mother Aisha Brown. My mother is also a well known comedian in Indiana. She always stood by me and supported me academically and emotionally. Without her support and advocacy I would not be where I am today. I have also had some amazing professors and bosses who contributed to my success.

The best career advice I ever received was to advocate for myself and to not be modest when it comes to my achievements and abilities. The phrase “closed mouths don’t get fed” also applies to your career. Additionally, if a company is unaware of what direction you want your career to go in, achievements and your abilities you could limit yourself career wise.

For young women entering the criminal justice and legal fields, I would encourage you to remain resilient, stay curious, and embrace every learning opportunity. As someone pursuing a JD at Purdue Global Law School while also completing a Master’s in Criminal Justice at the University of Arizona Global Campus, I have learned the value of balancing rigorous academics with hands-on experience. My previous roles as a Security Specialist II at IndyGo Public Transportation and as a Case Manager at the Indiana Department of Child Services have taught me the importance of perseverance, attention to detail, and advocating for those you serve skills that are essential for success in this industry.

My biggest challenges is breaking into the legal field at an entry level. I have education in criminal justice which some of the courses are applicable to the legal field. However, most of the positions I have applied to want you to have some experience within the field directly. I do however have the honor of being a 1L student at Purdue Global Law school. It is full of opportunities and support to expand my knowledge in the legal field as well as network. I have learned so much in just my first semester. I also love my current position as a visitation facilitator with Resilient Minds. The owner of the company and the leadership within the company is very inspirational. I love assisting with reuniting families, parenting education as well as assisting the clients with reaching their goals.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are safety, compassion, and continuous growth. In my professional role, I am committed to ensuring a safe and neutral environment for children and families during supervised visits, while advocating for positive outcomes and rehabilitation. Personally, I embrace lifelong learning, the importance of self-care and therapy, and the joy of creative expression through music and makeup. I am passionate about helping people and families grow and heal together, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.