By: Sachin Sharma
A Curiae was thrilled to have Ellen Leonida join our board earlier this year and last week, I had a chance to sit down with Ellen to learn more about her journey and why she joined. I also wanted to hear from her about GivingTuesday‘s significance, which is this week!
A Journey from Moldova to California
Ellen’s story begins in Moldova, where she was born, before growing up on the East Coast and eventually moving to California. Drawn by her passion for justice, she attended college with the goal of becoming a public defender - a lawyer dedicated to representing those who can’t afford legal representation.
Over her career, Ellen has worked extensively within the criminal justice system, including serving on the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel and representing clients in federal courts. It was during this time that she first learned of A Curiae and witnessed its profound impact, in particular with one client. This client was raised under difficult circumstances, struggling with addiction and homelessness. After being incarcerated, this individual connected with A Curiae’s resources and ultimately turned their life around by finding housing and a stable job.
Aligning with A Curiae
Ellen joined A Curiae because she recognized how her experiences with the program’s population and the lawyers involved put her in a unique position to help. She envisions greater involvement from the private bar, not just the public sector, to bring financial support and mentorship to clients in need.
The Importance of GivingTuesday
When I asked Ellen about GivingTuesday, she gave me a great, zoomed out response. “Giving to A Curiae isn’t just about helping individuals directly; it’s about giving to society as a whole,” she said. “Every person we help get off the streets and back on track is a gift to the entire community. If they don’t reoffend, it benefits everyone.”
For Ellen, supporting A Curiae represents an opportunity to foster long-term societal change, turning lives around while creating safer and more vibrant communities.
Be Part of the Change
Ellen’s experiences underscore how A Curiae can transform lives and strengthen communities. This #GivingTuesday, consider joining us in this mission by donating to our cause. Together, we can give more individuals the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
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