Leading toward a career in law

A prestigious civic leadership award will play an important role in helping Central Michigan University student Aaliyah Howard achieve her goal of becoming a judge.

Howard, a junior from Wyandotte, was named a 2023-24 Newman Civic Fellow. She aspires to a career in law and says CMU is playing a vital role in her professional development.

“This journey to help others, especially people of color, is why I want to become a lawyer,” Howard said. “There is much work to be done and that work started for me the day I stepped foot on campus.”

Some of that work took place at The LeaderShape Institute. LeaderShape is a four-day retreat that teaches students to lead with integrity while achieving success.

Howard was a student coordinator for LeaderShape and a Leader Advancement Scholar, said Jennifer Drevon, associate director of the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute.

She also participated in IMPACT, a two-and-a-half-day event that seeks to improve the CMU experience for traditionally underrepresented students. After serving as a mentor, Howard is currently a mentor coordinator.

Howard is also involved in the Student Advocates for Prison Reform and the Incarcerated, the Coalition of Black Empowerment, Black Girls Rock and the Women’s Initiative of Strength and Hope. She was also a model for the Office of Black Unity’s fashion show.

“Aaliyah is amazing, passionate about making the world a better place,” Drevon said. “She gives so much of herself to make CMU a welcoming and accepting community, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with her these last couple of years.”

Howard joins a 2023-24 group of 154 fellows from 38 states and Mexico.

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes students who stand out for their commitment to creating positive change. Fellows are nominated by their university president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership.

The organization was named for the late Frank Newman, an advocate for civic engagement in higher education and one of the founders of Campus Compact.