Page 47 - FDCC_Flyer_Winter2024

42 winter | federation flyer www.thefederation.org
“I want to lead a life of advocacy
that transcends political point
scoring and convoluted discussions
about policy changes. My goal is
to improve the lives of millions
of Americans living in poverty.
Through the FDCC, I have found
the mentor I never had—an
organization that champions
diversity of thought, inclusion, and
professional development to foster
integrity and intellectual honesty
within the legal profession.”
Jurry was presented with his
$10,000 scholarship check at a
ceremony at Duquesne Law School.
The event was attended by FDCC
members John Fitts, Ned Currie,
and Deb Varner; FDCC Foundation
President Stacy Broman; FDCC
Board Chair Craig Marvinney; and
Duquesne Law School Dean April
Mara Barton.
Emori Reece
University of North Texas-Dallas
Law School, 2L Student
The second $10,000 Barb Currie
Diversity Scholarship was awarded
to Emori Reece, a 2L student at the
University of North Texas-Dallas
College of Law. This award also
honored Craig Marvinney’s tenure
as FDCC President during 2023-
2024.
In her personal statement, Emori
shared that her passion for diversity
and inclusion in the legal profession
was sparked by a traumatic incident
in college when she became the
target of a racially motivated threat
at Texas A&M University. However,
this experience fueled her resilience
and inspired her to champion
diversity initiatives. She launched
“Round Table Talks,” which created
a platform for open conversations
on campus, and extended her
efforts into the broader community.
Emori also led Texas A&M’s
debate team to victory in the 12th
Annual National Diversity Case
Competition, triumphing over
32 other university teams. She
reflected:
“With a diverse group of lawyers,
fresh ideas and distinct perspectives
lead to innovative thinking. For
meaningful change to take place,
diversity must remain a continuous
priority. I have learned to be part
of something bigger than myself—
fostering a diverse community of
exceptional lawyers.”
The scholarship ceremony
took place at the University of
North Texas-Dallas College of
Law, attended by Dean Felicia
Epps, Deborah Taylor (Business
Operations Manager), and Keisha
Ware (Dean of Students). FDCC
Past-President Craig Marvinney,
Member Ned Currie, and his
wife, Sue Currie, also joined the
celebration. In a special moment,
Barb Currie’s sister, Jennifer Stucky,
and her husband, Darrell Stucky,
traveled from Katy, Texas, to attend
the ceremony.
A Legacy of Impact
The Barb Currie Diversity
Scholarship exemplifies the
FDCC’s commitment to fostering
diversity in the legal profession by
supporting the next generation of
leaders. Through the generosity
of donors and the dedication of
its recipients, the scholarship
continues to promote inclusion
and meaningful change. The stories
of Jurry Bajwah and Emori Reece
serve as powerful reminders of the
transformative impact of advocacy
and perseverance.
Together, we honor Barb Currie’s
legacy, ensuring that her spirit
of generosity and mentorship
continues to inspire and shape a
more inclusive legal community for
years to come.
Edward J. ”Ned” Currie is an FDCC member
and Partner of Currie, Johnson & Myers,
P.A. in Madison, MS. Ned can be reached at
ncurrie@curriejohnson.com
section title FDCC Pillars