Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) is breaking new ground with an extraordinary speaker panel that promises to inspire and educate our community. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6 p.m., the college will host “Breaking Barriers” in Wilcox Hall Room 225 on the Utica Campus, featuring first-generation lawyers and law students who have overcome significant challenges to pursue careers in law.
What Makes This Panel Special?
The “Breaking Barriers” event showcases the power of perseverance in the legal profession. We’re talking about individuals who didn’t follow traditional paths to law school – and that’s exactly what makes their stories so compelling.
Meet the Inspiring Panelists
The panel brings together four remarkable individuals, each with a unique story:
• Heather Beebe ’03: MVCC alumna and 2024 Albany Law School graduate who organized this inspiring event
• Alexis Hatten ’12: Albany Law School graduate with a powerful personal journey
• Jonas Caballero ’24: Recent Albany Law School graduate who overcame significant obstacles
• Trinh Q. Truong: Current JD candidate at Yale Law School with an inspiring background
From Challenges to Catalysts
What sets these panelists apart isn’t just their legal achievements – it’s how they’ve transformed their life experiences into fuel for their careers. The speakers have navigated paths through:
• Foster care systems
• Incarceration experiences
• Refugee journeys
• Returning to education later in life
These aren’t just success stories; they’re testimonies to how lived experience can become a powerful foundation for legal advocacy and social change.
Why This Matters for Our Community
First-generation lawyers bring unique perspectives to the legal profession. They understand barriers that others might never encounter, and they’re often driven by a deep desire to help others navigate similar challenges.
This panel offers valuable insights for:
• Current students considering law school
• Community members interested in legal careers
• Anyone who believes their background might be a barrier to professional success
The Power of Nontraditional Paths
We often think there’s only one way to become a lawyer – but these panelists prove otherwise. Their journeys demonstrate that:
• Life experience can be just as valuable as traditional credentials
• Challenges can become strengths in legal practice
• It’s never too late to pursue your goals
• Community colleges like MVCC can be launching pads for incredible careers
Join the Conversation
“Breaking Barriers” promises candid conversation about how personal struggles can fuel professional purpose. This isn’t just about individual success – it’s about transforming the legal profession to better serve diverse communities.
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to anyone who might benefit from these inspiring stories.
Event Details You Need to Know
• Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Wilcox Hall Room 225, MVCC Utica Campus
• Cost: Free admission
• Contact: MVCC Box Office at boxoffice@mvcc.edu or 315-731-5721
Why We’re Excited About This Event
As members of the Mohawk Valley community, we understand the importance of breaking down barriers to education and professional success. This panel represents exactly the kind of inspiring programming that makes our region stronger.
These speakers didn’t just overcome obstacles – they’re using their experiences to create positive change in the legal system. That’s the kind of leadership our community needs and deserves.
Looking Forward
Events like “Breaking Barriers” remind us that success comes in many forms and follows many different paths. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone considering a career change, these stories offer hope and practical insights.
We encourage everyone to attend this free event and be part of a conversation that could change how we think about legal careers and professional success.
What do you think about nontraditional paths to professional success? Have you overcome barriers in your own career journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with others who might be inspired by these remarkable journeys.
