Gina Lawrence graduated from Northwestern University in 2008, studying African American Studies and Psychology. A Harvard Law School graduate, Lawrence now serves as Associate General Counsel of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, combining her passion for law and community.
What inspired you to pursue a major or minor in AFAM?
I took my first AFAM course “Passing and the Performance of Identity” in the winter quarter of my freshman year and was immediately hooked. I had applied to college with the intention of majoring in Psychology alone; however, the small and mighty AFAM department quickly won me over and became the favorite of my two majors. The opportunity to dive deep into African American history and literature as well as to challenge and be challenged on issues both personal and global was unlike any other educational experience I had had before. Professor Vaughn, Professor Pattillo, Professor Bryant and so many other professors in the department taught me to embrace life within Du Bois’ veil and to see myself and my history in ways I had not thought were possible, especially at a predominately white institution like Northwestern.
How did your studies in the AFAM Department impact you personally or professionally?
Studying in the AFAM Department was the greatest decision I made in my college career. My professors taught me to think critically about the roles I played (and could play) in the world and enabled me to see greatness in myself during a very challenging period. In the midst of what often felt like chaos and overwhelming uncertainty, AFAM consistently provided an outlet for my joy, exploration and growth. Many of my closest friends today were also NU AFAM majors or minors, who, like me, continually strive to pour back into our communities through our work. AFAM instilled a certain confidence in me both as an individual as well as a member of an incredible and inspiring community of thinkers, doers and leaders. I thrived at Northwestern because of AFAM and carry its many lessons with me today.
Is there a specific course, event, or memory associated with the AFAM department that sticks out to you from your time at NU?
I may have taken all of Professor Tracy Vaughn-Manley’s courses but the one that has stuck with me the most was the course on Toni Morrison. It was such an incredible pleasure to focus on one author and do a deep dive into her work – all under the guide of my favorite professor. The class highlighted the breadth of possibilities and depth of talents of Black women scholars and authors that still inspires me today.
What are you working on right now that excites you the most OR are there any accomplishments you would like to share?
I am an attorney practicing education and transactional law at the Noble Network of Charter Schools – the largest charter school network in the city of Chicago. After studying law at Harvard and working on behalf of massive corporations at a large law firm in Manhattan, it has been incredible to come home – both literally and figuratively. Supporting, nurturing, and furthering the goals of brilliant young people who dream big was one of my primary drivers in applying to law school and I am so thrilled to do that work on behalf of our students now.
What’s a fun fact that you want to share with the Northwestern community?
I am not a fan of the cold but found enough courage to do a polar plunge on the coldest and windiest continent – Antarctica!
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
If I’m not lifting in the gym or cycling on the lakefront trail, you can find me tending to my many plants or cooking up a new recipe to share with my partner.