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Ainura Johnson

J.D. Candidate

University of Illinois, College of Law | Seeking Insights into Business Law Nexus

Email:

Student Email:

Address:

Champaign, IL 61820

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About Me

I am a first-year law student at the University of Illinois, College of Law, set to graduate in May 2027. I am passionate about the intersection of business, technology, law, and their ethical implications. As a National Scholar in the Diversity Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP), I am dedicated to promoting inclusion in the legal field.

As the founder of Pomegranate Plenty, with experience in entrepreneurship, I honed my skills in marketing, client retention, and problem-solving by analyzing market research and drafting client agreements. My roles as a Client Support Specialist at the Association of American Medical Colleges and at the Leonard Resource Group allowed me to advise clients on diversity initiatives and develop successful marketing strategies.

As a Law and Policy Intern with The Purple Campaign, I explored sexual harassment and workplace discrimination policies, deepening my understanding of employment law and business development. My Bachelor’s in Sociology from Georgia State University, where I graduated magna cum laude, further strengthened my analytical and research abilities.

I thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, and I am eager to connect with professionals to gain insights and explore opportunities in transactional law.

Education

AUGUST 2024 - PRESENT

J.D. Candidate

University of Illinois,

College of Law

Honors: 2024 - 2025 Diversity Attorney Pipeline Program National Scholar

 

My extracurricular involvement includes participation in OUTLaw, the Disability Law Society, the Asian Law Society Association, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Bankruptcy Law Society as a 1L Representative. Additionally, I hold student memberships and attended conferences with both the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), and the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC). Lastly, I am a part of multiple bar association student memberships.

JANUARY 2018 - AUGUST 2021

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Georgia State University

Magna Cum Laude 

​

Honors: Global Scholar Distinction

 

During my tenure as Vice President of Hopping 4 a Cure (Georgia State University Chapter) from 2020 to 2021, I spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness and funds for student's battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Simultaneously, as an Officer and Member of the Georgia State University Chapter of Out in STEM, I promoted inclusivity and diversity in academic and professional spheres. Through these roles, I actively advocated for social issues and gained experience in project management.

Continued Education Certificates & Distinctions

1

Global Institute of

Human Rights

-

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Issued: June 2021

2

Global Scholar Distinction

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Georgia State University

Issued: August 2021

3

The Fundamentals of

Digital Marketing 

-

Google Digital Garage

Issued: April 2022

4

Zero - L 

-

Harvard Law School Online

Issued: May 2024

Work Experiences

My previous roles as a client support specialist, small business founder, law and policy intern, and sales associate collectively furnish me with a diverse skill set crucial for excelling as a lawyer. From honing interpersonal and communication skills in client relations to developing business acumen and a beginning of a basis of legal knowledge, each experience contributes to my ability to engage effectively, navigate legal complexities, and advocate adeptly for clients' interests.

Judicial Extern -Honorable Chief Judge Peter Henderson at
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of Illinois

Expected from June 2025 - August 2025

 

As a legal extern, I am expecting to analyze briefs for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter cases pending before the Judge, prepare court orders and bench memoranda analyzing federal bankruptcy laws and relevant case law.

Founder and CEO - 
Pomegranate Plenty

January 2022 - June 2024

 

At Pomegranate Plenty, I created the company to address a gap in the gift-giving and personal shopping sector, aiming to provide unique solutions tailored to client needs. As the manager of day-to-day operations, I oversaw all aspects of the business, ensuring smooth functioning and excellent customer service. I led customer support and engagement efforts, striving to foster strong relationships and exceed client expectations. My goal was to curate the perfect gifts that resonated with recipients, enhancing and deepening relationships through expressions of love and thoughtfulness. Additionally, I was responsible for developing website and social media content, including blog posts, newsletters, and digital marketing plans, to effectively communicate our brand message. Furthermore, I innovated a new low-stress method for gifting, offering convenience and ease for any occasion.

Client Support Specialist -
Leonard Resource Group

June 2022 - November 2022

​

In my role as a client support specialist, I was assigned to work with the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). I was responsible for a wide range of tasks aimed at facilitating smooth operations and successful events. This included creating and managing events, processing refunds, handling registrations, and managing memberships using Neon. I led the initiative to increase sponsorship for the Installation Innovation Forum 2022 by 20%, strategizing and implementing effective approaches to attract more sponsors and secure commitments. This resulted in a significant boost in financial support for the event, enabling us to enhance the experience for participants and expand the scope of innovation showcased. Moreover, I led the creation of important reports such as the State Advisory’s Survey Report for 2022 and maintained databases of active military bases and community organizations. Furthermore, I coordinated ADC Board meetings, scheduled committee meetings, and managed event travel arrangements, along with composing meeting minutes. I also provided assistance for conferences like the Ryan White Conference 2022 and led the creation and management of the Cvent app for the Installation Innovation Forum 2022.

Law & Policy Intern - The Purple Campaign

September 2021 - December 2021

​

In my role, I undertook diverse tasks aimed at supporting the organization's goals and initiatives. This included collecting and categorizing daily press clips related to corporate partners, new legislation, and current events. Additionally, I contributed to educational efforts by preparing summary memos on events addressing workplace sexual harassment. I assisted my supervisor in various corporate engagement projects, such as compiling a directory of corporate partners' social media handles for future promotional activities. Furthermore, I conducted comprehensive research and compiled a detailed memo on the profound effects of sexual harassment on both physical and mental health, providing valuable insights for organizational strategies and advocacy efforts.

Seasonal
Sales Associate -
Eastern National
 

May 2018 - August 2018

​

As a sales associate at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park, my responsibilities encompassed various facets of visitor engagement and operational support. I actively engaged park attendees, providing detailed information about the park's activities and amenities, as well as highlighting attractions in the surrounding area. Additionally, I curated monthly displays honoring civil rights heroes, managed merchandise inventory, and contributed to achieving monthly sales targets. Furthermore, I played a vital role in facilitating tours and open houses at the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Childhood Home, enhancing visitors' experiences and promoting historical and cultural understanding.

Technical Skills

Coding Languages with Intermediate Skill Level:

Ruby

HTML

NeonOne Software Certified:

Communications, Data Entry and Reporting, Event Management, Finance, and NeonOne NeonCRM Certification

Service Mindset

I am deeply committed to giving back to my communities, and supporting the cancer ward that has cared for many loved ones as they moved throughout treatment. Through long-term volunteering during my college career, I gained invaluable insights into the healthcare system's business aspects, the legal implications and value of HIPAA, and the influence of educational policies on a child's passion within education. My passion for philanthropy is aligned with my interests in business and law, driving me to pursue opportunities for positive social impact through advocacy, policy change, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

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