Maya Coleman

NLCP Class of 2020
DePaul University, BA, 2024

After earning degree in criminology, Maya now works for the Illinois Department Of Corrections as a correctional officer in the Intelligence Unit. “I am studying for the LSAT test to go to law school next fall, and I am working toward becoming an Assistant U.S. attorney,” she reports.

“I really enjoyed my undergrad experience, especially my professors as they were really knowledgeable. College taught me the power of knowledge and the importance of networking.” Like many students during the Covid pandemic, Maya’s undergraduate college years were a mixture of online and in-person experiences. “I do wish I could have had the opportunity to meet more people and join more organizations.”

To future Pact Scholars, Maya says, “If I could tell you anything it would to be a leader not a follower—and you can do anything you put your mind to. I've been in many rooms with people I would have never imagined by staying focused and being teachable. I must say sacrifice and focusing on the bigger picture to achieve your goals will get you far.” 

“When it comes to Repairing the World, I initially wanted to be a defense attorney. However, working in the corrections field changed my trajectory to prosecution. I want to repair the world in ensuring people not only get justice for heinous crimes done to them but repair our justice system of being ethical.”