Adlynn Louidor doesn’t engage with incarcerated people for accolades.

The second-year law student, founder of the not-for-profit agency Bridging Borders with Inmates, acknowledges the work is taxing but says it carries its own rewards.

“We support individuals who have been incarcerated, at-risk youth who have experience with criminal activity, and inmates and their families,” she says. “I am passionate about advocacy — that everyone, regardless of their mistakes, deserves the opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.”

Still, she says, it was a pleasant surprise to be selected for the $2,000 Telus Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship, created through a gift by the telecommunications company in support of the Chancellor’s Leadership Series.

“It can be a lot of hours working with inmates, so the fact that somebody recognizes the value of that effort is validating.”

Besides the scholarship, Louidor points to a grant from the City of Toronto to conduct workshops for Scarborough youths affected by gang involvement: “The grant is a testament to our ongoing commitment and efforts in making a positive impact on our community.”

Her experience led Louidor to start a business providing consulting services to others starting non-profit organizations: preparing grant applications, writing business plans, and developing strategies for growth.

At Windsor Law, she serves as president of the Criminal Law Association, although she plans a career in personal injury litigation. Louidor also conducts a criminal law seminar at York University in partnership with Bridging Borders with Inmates, teaching fourth-year students about trauma-informed work and working with incarcerated persons.

“Through my legal studies and professional experience, I am committed to using my skills to empower marginalized communities and advocate for justice in all areas of law,” she says. “I believe that access to legal representation is a fundamental human right, and I am eager to bring my passion for advocacy and litigation expertise to impact the legal field positively.”

The next event in the Chancellor’s Leadership Series will take place Thursday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Hatch Studio Theatre, Jackman Dramatic Art Centre. Register online for Building Community: In Dialogue with Julia Deans.