BC Law 3L Crystal Aneke has been named the 2023 Top Women in Law scholarship recipient by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, an honor that recognizes a current law student who demonstrates high academic achievement, exceptional leadership qualities, and involvement with community service.
“The Top Women of Law Scholarship Award is a source of motivation and is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact,” said Aneke. “It serves as a reminder to walk in my light and purpose.”
After graduating summa cum laude from Fitchburg State University in 2020, Aneke founded The Voices of Boston (VOB), a nonprofit social justice group that represents BIPOC communities in Boston with the objective to dismantle systemic racism that plagues our society and local neighborhoods. Its mission is to tackle injustice through promotion of civic engagement and education about voting in all forms of electorates.
At BC Law, Aneke served as the vice president of internal operations of the First Generation Professionals (FGP) during the 2022-23 academic year. FGP is a student organization that supports students who are the first in their families to attend college or professional school and may come from low-income or working-class backgrounds. FGP facilitates professional development events, community-building social events, and faculty relationships that foster personal, academic, and career growth. “Our most important work is responding to the needs of first generation and low-income students at BC Law,” Aneke explained. “Because the profession of law lacks significant socioeconomic diversity among its members, FGP seeks to narrow that gap.
Aneke currently serves as chairwoman of the Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Law Student Association as well as an LSA student mentor.
Honorees will be recognized at the “Top Women of Law” event in November at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
“I hope that this award inspires women to strive for greatness because I know that we can break barriers all while being celebrated,” Aneke said.
A total of eight BC Law alumni were also honored as Top Women of Law:
Renee Landers
Allison O’Neil
Allison Anderson
Anne Gugino Carrigan
Hon. Judith Dein
Amanda Eckhoff
Lynette Paczkowski
Arianne Waldron