Rebekah Newman ‘17

I graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 2017 after volunteering in the New Orleans Public Defender’s Office for a year. Knowing I wanted to work in Chicago after law school, I cast a broad net within the Midwest when applying to schools. I chose Notre Dame after considering it’s close-knit community, the abundance of professors who are experts in their fields (including now Justice Coney-Barrett), and many experiential learning opportunities. Undoubtedly, I am the ethical, educated, and passionate lawyer I am today because of my Notre Dame education. And as I’ve navigated my career, beginning in a top-20 law firm and now working on cutting-edge issues for the Attorney General of Illinois, I have been able to tap the unparalleled Notre Dame alumni network, especially alumna, for wisdom and next steps.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received an invite to the Hesburgh Women of Impact Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP). I was impressed beyond words when I first began to comprehend the broader reach, power and connectivity of the HWOI group throughout the weekend. The women of the HWOI are an otherworldly combination of strength, compassion, and tenacity. They are the change-makers of our community and world, and throughout the weekend, I caught myself thinking many times “I don’t know how I got here, but I am so grateful.” And my cohort within the ALP was more of the same. The ALP uniquely brings together alumnni from all ND programs, presenting an opportunity to connect that I have not experienced in any other setting. And our cohort’s connection is true and intentional – whether one of us is interviewing for a new job, moving across the world, or becoming a first-time mom, we have supported and uplifted each other. We know that being a HWOI is a gift beyond measure, and as a member of the ALP leadership board, I am committed to ensuring the reach of the HWOI is accessible to everyone and continues to empower us all to be THE change-makers in our community.