Blazing a Trail … Again!

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Richmond Law’s first female graduate, Jane Brown Ranson, L’1923, lead donor Mary Lou Kramer, L’75, committed $50,000 in matching funds to establish the Law Women’s Centennial Scholarship. Thanks to 107 generous donors, we exceeded this challenge, raising more than $120,000! The first award was made this fall to a deserving 1L student, Lily Goodman.

Lily began her journey to Richmond Law through an unexpected path: a modeling job in Raleigh, North Carolina. At 13 years old, Lily was cast in the Department of Homeland Security’s “Blue Campaign,” a human trafficking awareness initiative. Inspired to get involved in combating the issue, Lily connected with the Model Alliance, a New York-based nonprofit, which was lobbying for the Child Model Act. The bill provided critical protections for child models, including reducing their risk of being trafficked.

Lily found herself speaking at press conferences alongside influential models, senators, and human rights advocates in support of the bill’s passage. That fall, it was enacted and became law in New York. Lily’s participation in this legislative process at an early age left a lasting impression, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in law. A trailblazer in her own right, it was only fitting that Lily would become the inaugural recipient of a scholarship that honors Ranson.

“Because of women like Jane Brown Ranson, I was able to get where I am now,” she said. “It is such an honor to have received a scholarship created in recognition of her and the path she paved for women lawyers in Richmond.

“I chose to go to law school to garner the tools to bring about positive change in society through law,” she continued. “I will remember this opportunity as I progress in the field and aim to open doors for future women, as Jane Brown Ranson did for me.

“I am incredibly grateful to all the donors who made this scholarship possible. Thank you!”

(Reprinted from the 2024 Dean’s Report.)