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Justice Griffin lives a life dedicated to service to her community and her profession. As such, she has
been and continues to be active in many professional and civic associations and has received numerous
awards and certificates in recognition of her accomplishments and her commitment to the community.
These include receipt of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) 2020 Thomas Jefferson
Justice By the People Award, 2019 Sarah J. Harper Humanitarian award which is given during the
annual Thurgood Marshall luncheon by the National Bar Association Judicial Council, 2019 First
District Missionary Society Women’s Department Woman of the Year Award, the Greater New Orleans
Louis A. Martinet Legal Society 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award and its 2003 Ernest N. Morial
Judicial Pacesetter Award; being recognized as a YWCA Role Model; 2004 Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc,
Award for Exemplary Community Service Award, the 2003 Alliance for Good Government Civic
Award as well as the 2002-2003 Data News Weekly Scoop Jones Trailblazer Award.
Justice Griffin is an active member of her church, Second Baptist 6th District. She is a former foster
mother and serves as a mentor and surrogate mother to many.
Louisiana State Bar Association’s Guardian of Diversity Award recipient recommendation:
United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana advocates and promotes an understanding
and awareness of diversity through several endeavors. The Court presents thought-provoking programs
about diversity. It holds naturalization ceremonies that highlight the diversity of new citizens. And the
Court has worked to improve diversity in its workforce and the jury pool. Led by the Court’s first African
American Chief Judge, Nannette Jolivette Brown, the Court is a Guardian of Diversity.
The Court presents annual African American and Women’s History Month celebrations. These are large,
substantive events. Programs in 2023 featured the women leaders of four law enforcement agencies and
Supreme Court Chief Justice Emeritus Bernette Joshua Johnson discussing the Civil Rights Movement.
Registrations for the first 2024 event exceed 350.
Similarly, the Court holds other programs that make a significant impact on diversity issues in the legal
profession. Perhaps most impressive was a two-hour play reenacting the legal events surrounding the
integration of the University of Mississippi. Several judges participated in this November 2023 program
at the courthouse produced with the Federal Bar Association. The Court also holds naturalization
ceremonies with guest speakers who reflect on our nation’s strength in diversity.
The Court has endeavored to diversify its workforce by expanding recruitment efforts. The Court was
recently accepted into a Judiciary program that provides opportunities for underserved students with an
appreciation for DEI to compete for internships with federal courts, preparing them for Judiciary careers.
Similarly, the Court improved the diversity of the jury pool by adding DMV records and increasing
follow-up reminders to prospective jurors. Likewise, the Clerk’s Office DE&I Committee promotes a