Featured Authors: Empowering Stories
Oluwatoyin Akinola, Esq.
Oluwatoyin Akinola, Esq., is the Principal Attorney at Akinola Law Group, P.C., with a practice focused on real estate, immigration, family law, probate, and civil litigation. Born in Nigeria and educated in Switzerland and the U.S., she earned her J.D. from Touro Law Center and is admitted in NY, NJ, and several federal courts. A former paralegal and associate attorney, Toyin launched her firm in 2020 and is a passionate advocate committed to service, family, and community.
J. Elle, Bwa, Esq.
J. Elle, Bwa, Esq., is a licensed practicing attorney in New York working in the government sector.
DG, esquire
DG, esquire is a licensed practicing attorney in New York working in the government sector.
Kertisha Dixon, Esq.
Kertisha Dixon, Esq., is a dedicated public servant and Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore’s Special Victims Unit. Her legal career includes roles with the Social Security Administration, as a judicial clerk, and as a court-appointed defense attorney. A Howard University and Texas Tech Law graduate, she also teaches law and advocacy and was named a 2020–2021 National Bar Association “40 Under 40” honoree. She is active in several civic organizations and enjoys travel, reading, and community service.
Justice Dweynie Paul
Justice Dweynie Paul is the first judge of Haitian descent elected in New York State and currently serves as a Supreme Court Justice and Supervising Judge of Kings County Civil Court. A graduate of George Washington University Law School, she began her career as a civil litigator before joining the bench in 2016. Justice Paul is a champion for court reform, community engagement, and equity in the legal profession. She leads a team of 14 judges and remains active in community and faith-based service.
Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau, Esq.
Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau, Esq., is a civil litigator with experience in municipal defense, personal injury, civil rights, employment, and commercial law. She is President of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York and holds leadership roles in several bar associations. A 2021 Power 100 honoree by the National Bar Association YLD, Madjeen mentors aspiring attorneys through Binghamton University’s Harper Law Council and the Bridges to Builders program.
Lillie N. Nkenchor, Esq.
Lillie N. Nkenchor, Esq., LL.M., is the Founding Attorney of Lillie N. Nkenchor, PC, where she empowers individuals, families, and business owners through estate and business planning. Known for her clear, engaging approach, Lillie helps clients create tax-efficient strategies to meet personal and financial goals. A dynamic speaker and educator, she’s passionate about demystifying complex planning concepts to improve financial security and peace of mind.
Rodney L. Pepe-Souvenir, Esq.
Rodney L. Pepe-Souvenir, Esq., is the newly appointed Kings County Democratic Election Commissioner and a seasoned public interest attorney. With over 20 years of experience, she has served in key legal roles across NYC agencies, including ACS, NYCHA, DOE, FDNY, and currently as University Title IX Director for CUNY. Rodney is a leader in compliance, sexual misconduct prevention, and employment law. She also serves on several nonprofit boards, is the current president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, and is a dedicated mother and community member.
Roberta Oluwaseun Roberts, Esq.
Roberta Oluwaseun Roberts, Esq., is a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice and founder of Grace for the Grind™, a free online community for Christian women lawyers and law students. A certified Christian life coach, Roberta also leads the Blessed & Barred™ Bar Exam Coaching Program. She is licensed in Maryland and D.C. and is passionate about faith, mentorship, and empowering women in the legal profession.
Dianne Samu-Graves, Esq.
Dianne Samu-Graves, Esq., is a dedicated public service attorney with a passion for advocacy and community impact. Formerly with the House of Ruth Maryland, she has spent nearly a decade litigating domestic violence cases and supporting vulnerable communities. A recipient of the Exemplary Contribution of Service Award, Dianne is committed to using the law as a tool for justice. She is a proud Fordham Law graduate, avid gardener, traveler, and loving pet parent.
Diana Smithens, Esq.
Diana Smithens, Esq., is a licensed practicing attorney in New York.
Michelle Talbet Esq.
Michelle Y. Talbert, Esq., is a recovering corporate attorney turned relationship marketing strategist and founder of Her Power Space, a woman-forward coworking space near Fort Lauderdale, FL. A champion for small businesses, Michelle launched the No Small Business Left Behind® series and advises entrepreneurs through the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women program. A Cornell and UPenn Law grad with a Wharton business certificate, Michelle empowers women through her nonprofit Her Happiness Collective and lives by the motto: #weallwin.
Featured Authors: Motherhood & the Law
Melissa Medilien, Esq. Concept
Melissa D. Medilien, Esq., is a Brooklyn-born litigator and daughter of Haitian immigrants. She currently serves as Associate Counsel, Labor and Employment at the MTA New York City Transit. A former Queens ADA and insurance fraud litigator, Melissa was named a New York Metro Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2022. She teaches Trial Advocacy at Fordham Law and sits on the Executive Board of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association. Melissa is a contributor to The Road to Esquire: Vol. 1 and serves as the concept advisor for Vol. 2. She lives in NYC with her daughter and enjoys creative writing and adventure.
Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, JD
Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, JD is a groundbreaking New York State Assemblymember representing Brooklyn’s 42nd District and the first Haitian American woman elected in NYC. As Assembly Majority Whip and Chair of the Subcommittee on MWBEs, she champions legislation on housing, education, public safety, and economic equity. A strong advocate for maternal health, she authored the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law after the loss of her first child. With a background in engineering, finance, and law, she brings a dynamic voice to public service. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.
Christina M. Carroll, Esq.
Christina M. Carroll, Esq. is a seasoned commercial litigator with national trial experience in contract, business tort, labor, employment, and trust and estate disputes. She brings a strategic and tech-savvy approach to litigation management, helping clients reduce risk and legal spend. Outside the courtroom, Christina is a proud mother of four and the founder of The Orange Chair, a book company inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and love of storytelling.
Yevedzo Chitiga, Esq.
Yevedzo Chitiga, Esq. is the CEO of Yevedzo Coaching and Consulting, where she empowers leaders through executive coaching and leadership development. A former banking professional and Counsel at WilmerHale, Yeve most recently served as Director and Assistant General Counsel at a fintech startup. A dynamic speaker and published children’s book author, she uses storytelling to inspire as an attorney, coach, and mother.
Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi, Esq.
Rakiat Layo Gbadamosi, Esq., is a Nigerian-born fashion designer and entertainment attorney based in New York City. She launched her fashion line, Layo G, while studying at Parsons and earning her law degree from Fordham. After building a foundation in fashion law with top brands like Burberry and Coach, she transitioned into entertainment law, serving in executive roles at Viacom and Endeavor Content. Layo has negotiated major deals for HBO, Netflix, and Disney. She is the muse behind the Layo G brand—bold, stylish, and unapologetically powerful. The Layo G woman is a boss who breaks barriers and owns every room she enters.
Rakiat is also a contributor to The Road to Esquire: Vol. 1.
Jobyna Terry Mapp, Esq.
Jobyna T. Mapp, Esq., is a Virginia-based transactional attorney, award-winning author, and Chair of the Greater Richmond Diversity Prelaw Conference. With a background in business and law, she supports small businesses nationwide with operational and contract guidance and provides estate planning services in her local community. Jobyna is passionate about empowering others through legal education and community seminars. She lives in Virginia with her husband and son, and enjoys gardening and time at the beach.
Marly Marcellus-Laurent, Esq.
Marly Marcellus-Laurent, Esq., is a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in safety, compliance, and public interest law. Currently Senior Legal Counsel at a global tech company, she advises on online child safety, content moderation, and law enforcement engagement. Marly’s legal journey spans roles at X (formerly Twitter), Standard Chartered Bank, the NYC Council, and the Kings County DA’s Office. A proud Haitian native, she’s a Rising Star honoree by the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York and served on the board of Destiny’s Daughters of Promise. She’s also a dedicated wife and mother of three.
Marly is also a contributor to The Road to Esquire: Vol. 1.
Quinterra Sherman, JD
Quinterra Sherman, JD is a proud alumna of Bethune-Cookman University and FAMU College of Law. A passionate advocate for justice and community empowerment, her legal journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to serving others through the law.
Loudie Valcourt Srebnick, Esq.
Loudie Valcourt Srebnick, Esq. is a Bahamian-born civil litigator of Haitian descent, focusing on general liability defense for insurance and self-insured companies. Admitted in NY and NJ, Loudie is a magna cum laude graduate of Barry University and earned her JD from New York Law School, including study abroad in Israel. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling and co-writing fiction with her husband, Kevin.
Tamika Stembridge, Esq.
Tamika Stembridge, Esq. is a former entertainment attorney and dynamic strategist with a passion for helping leaders and organizations scale their impact. With a background spanning corporate, nonprofit, and startup sectors—including work in entertainment, education, financial empowerment, and fashion—Tamika brings a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, and community focus. She is the co-founder of OG.LLC, a consulting firm advancing equity-driven transformation for high-performing leaders and brands. A Spelman and Rutgers alumna, Tamika lives in Philadelphia with her partner and two sons.
Nikie E. Thorpe, Esq.
Nikia E. Thorpe, Esq. is an attorney, advocate, and community leader who serves as Assistant Counsel at the New York State Housing Finance Agency, focusing on large-scale real estate and bond financing transactions. Formerly a litigation associate in construction and commercial law, Nikia has served on several professional boards and her law school’s alumni council. A proud Binghamton and New England Law graduate, she’s also a fitness enthusiast and distance runner.
Nikia is also a contributor to The Road to Esquire: Vol. 1.
Amanda Williams, Esq.
Amanda A. Williams, Esq. is a board-certified Labor and Employment Law attorney, widely recognized as one of Texas’s top Black attorneys. She represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies in complex employment litigation and provides strategic counsel on workplace compliance, risk management, and inclusive policy development. Known for her sharp legal insight and client-centered approach, Amanda is a trusted advocate and leader in the field of employment law.
vol. 2: From the creators table
Ritha Pierre, Esq., Visionary Author/ Editor
Professor Leah Aileen Hill, Esq., Foreword
Ritha Pierre, Esq., Visionary Author/ Editor
Ritha Pierre, Esq. is the visionary author and curator of The Road to Esquire anthology series, amplifying the voices of Black women in law.
An attorney, certified coach, and storyteller, she blends advocacy and artistry to inspire legacy and leadership.
Melissa Medilien, Esq., Concept Advisor
Professor Leah Aileen Hill, Esq., Foreword
Ritha Pierre, Esq., Visionary Author/ Editor
Melissa D. Medilien, Esq. is a Brooklyn-born litigator, concept advisor, and contributor to both volumes of The Road to Esquire.
She serves as Associate Counsel at NYC Transit and teaches Trial Advocacy as an adjunct professor at Fordham Law.
Professor Leah Aileen Hill, Esq., Foreword
Professor Leah Aileen Hill, Esq., Foreword
Professor Leah Aileen Hill, Esq., Foreword
Professor Leah Aileen Hill is the Ann Moynihan Distinguished Clinical Scholar at Fordham University School of Law. A dedicated educator for nearly three decades, she was awarded the Dean’s Medal of Recognition—Fordham Law’s highest faculty honor.