6th Annual Juvenile Justice Youth Symposium Recap
On June 1st, Mass Mentoring Partnership had the opportunity to be a part of the 6th Annual Juvenile Justice Youth Symposium, graciously hosted by Suffolk University Law School. Our President and CEO Cynthia K. Orellana was invited to share a keynote address with the attendees, and two of our team- Nate Simms and Hannah St. Laurent- were a part of the planning committee for the event.
The symposium was created as a space to educate high school-aged students about the Juvenile Justice system and court process, as well assist them with building connections and learning about the importance of positive mentoring relationships. Students were able to participate in mock trials- designed with intent by members of the planning committee, to give a deeper look into and understanding of the juvenile court system and how proceedings work. They also heard from different specialists in the field, including MMP Board Member, Migdalia Iris Nalls, Chief of Juvenile Unit at Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Migdalia played an integral role in the organization of this annual event, and her dedication to and passion for the work shine through in each years’ event growing and expanding to reach more youth in the community!
Last year a special award was introduced, honoring Judge Leslie E. Harris for his commitment to and advocacy on behalf of youth justice. This year, the Honorable Judge Harris was once again in attendance; this time, to present the award to its second recipient, Executive Director of Citizens for Juvenile Justice, J. Leon Smith. J. Leon Smith has been with the Citizens for Juvenile Justice since 2019, and has throughout his career focused on advocating for reform of juvenile justice policy. He has owned his own law practice, devoted to supporting youth through the criminal and juvenile court system. He has played a key role in advocating for reform in litigation through collaborative work with communities and state agencies in CT before beginning his work in MA; his focus on this work continues here in his role with CFJJ.
“Justice is what love looks like in public.” – Cornel West
Dr. Orellana shared the above quote when posting a summary of her experience at the Symposium; it sums up so well the reason WHY this event was developed in the first place. In reflecting further on her experience at the Symposium, Dr. Orellana shared: “I was impressed by the youth’s focused engagement and by the caring and committed lawyers, judges, and staff that made the time to join them.” With the day dedicated to adding further transparency to the juvenile justice system and how it works, students were equipped with a better understanding of how to navigate and feel supported.
Mass Mentoring Partnership is happy to support the efforts of the committee, in planning and executing this event, and we look forward to being a part of the 7th annual next spring!
Learn more about the Citizens for Juvenile Justice