03 March 2025 2 minute read
Brittany Mahone, C'2025, always knew that an HBCU was the place for her. Growing up as the only Black girl in her class, she yearned to be part of a community where people who looked like her were the majority. When she first visited Spelman College, she didn’t know all the details but from the moment she stepped on campus, she felt the powerful pull of sisterhood and opportunity.
“I knew Spelman would prepare me for navigating this world as a confident Black woman," Mahone reflects. Now as a political science major, psychology minor and pre-law student, she’s channeling that sense of purpose to shape her future in law with fierce determination.
Spelman has provided Mahone with more than just an academic foundation – it has been a lens through which she has learned to view law and politics. “Spelman has done a wonderful job at giving me a peek into how policy works throughout our government and international government,” she said.
The knowledge she’s gained in the classroom has been further enriched by her internships and active participation in campus organizations such as the Morehouse Spelman Pre-Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Through these programs, she gained a deeper understanding of how law and policy affect marginalized communities, and how current political dynamics will shape the future.
Mahone's journey took another pivotal step when she was invited to join the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors program in recognition of her high school accomplishments. This opportunity connected with driven, like-minded women, enhanced her perspective on global issues, and taught her how to approach her time as a student with purpose. “The rigorous, thought-provoking courses I’ve taken have enhanced my writing skills and deepened my understanding of the world,” she explained.
Mahone‘s commitment to law was firmly established during a summer internship in high school at a civil litigation law firm. “I realized that as a lawyer, I was going to be given the opportunity to help those who are not able to help themselves,” she remembers. This revelation set her on the path to becoming an attorney and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her dedication to law grew even stronger when she took part in the Duke Summer Pre-Law Fellowship Program. Spending a month at Duke University afforded her an opportunity to attend law classes, meet professors, and engage with other motivated students from HBCUs.
"It was an extraordinary experience that not only reaffirmed my passion for becoming an attorney, but it also deepened my commitment to this path. Through this experience, I was able to expand my professional network and connect with mentors who have motivated me to aim higher and make a meaningful impact in the world," Mahone shared.
Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Mahone has gained invaluable skills through her role with Spelman's Speech and Debate team, an opportunity that has been instrumental in helping her grow as a public speaker and leader.
“The team gave me the tools to articulate my ideas with precision and confidence,” she said. Mahone's debate team experience has translated to her legal internships. She has had the opportunity to manage cases and engage with clients – further refining her leadership capabilities.
Despite the obstacles along the way, including learning not to compare herself to others, Mahone has stayed committed to her path. “I’ve learned to trust in my abilities and I believe I am fully capable of achieving my goals,” she noted.
Mahone looks ahead to life after graduation and is excited to begin a full-time role as paralegal with Kostelanetz LLP in New York City, where she will gain valuable experience while preparing for law school. Her long-term goal is to specialize in family law and eventually become a judge.
“Being able to help people who are not able to provide the resources they need to help themselves” continues to drive her commitment to justice and equality. Mahone‘s journey is only starting, but it’s evident that her heart is set on making a profound impact in the legal field and beyond.