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Discovering Justice Events

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Law Day 2023

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 | Moakley Courthouse

Law Day at the Moakley Courthouse celebrated a dynamic program for students from fifth grade to law students. On May 3rd Discovering Justice, the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and the Federal Bar Association partnered to provide engaging and educational opportunities for over 150 students.

Students participated in Mock Jury Selections, the Bill of Rights Essay Contest celebration, and observed First Circuit oral arguments. In addition, Discovering Justice hosted an interactive scavenger hunt for fifth graders.

During the scavenger hunt, students from the Highlands School in Braintree met with various courthouse representatives. Representatives from the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Marshals Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the First Circuit Library, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and the Appeals Court for the First Circuit, were present at the scavenger hunt.

Additionally, Court Reporters, Civil Attorneys, Law Clerks, and the U.S. Federal Defender Kyana Givens met with students to discuss their potential legal careers.

“I am grateful that my fifth-grade students were welcomed into the Moakley Courthouse to learn about our justice system. They were thrilled to explore the Courthouse and meet staff from all different courtroom positions. This experience has impacted my students in a positive way and will motivate them to learn more about civics in future grades.”

– Alicia Quinn, 5th Grade Teacher, Highlands School, Braintree Public Schools

Students rotated through each career booth and met courthouse staff to learn about their jobs. Once they connected with each representative, they received stamps on their Law Day passports.

Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.

At Discovering Justice, Bianca plays a flexible, all-hands-on-deck role across development and communications. She supports fundraising strategy, manages the Development and Administrative Associate, external partnerships, contributes to donor engagement efforts, and leads the execution of key initiatives and events. Bianca also helps amplify the organization’s impact by producing core communications and fundraising materials.