Stephanie L. Willis

Title/Position

Policy Strategist

As a zealous advocate, Stephanie combines her passions to energize and innovate. Through enthusiasm, foreword thinking, and work ethic, Stephanie has built long-lasting, fruitful relationships through constant collaboration and incorporating divergent ideas and insights.

During her tenure at the ACLU of Louisiana, Stephanie has used her acquired experience and skills in conjunction with her relationships with members of the Louisiana legislative body and the community to advance the mission of the ACLU of Louisiana and implement tactical policies. Through analytical and strategic thinking and an enterprise to solve issues plaguing Louisiana residents, Stephanie facilitated the passing of sweeping legislation to repair policies that had a detrimental effect on marginalized communities.

A first-generation Haitian American, Stephanie was born and raised in New York. From a very early age, Stephanie attended protests and marches opposing Haitian government policies and the dishonest portrayal of the Haitian Community. Through the collective work of the Haitian Community and a focus on the need to change its governmental policies, Stephanie understood the impact of an extreme focus on policy work.

Stephanie began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she vigorously and successfully tried numerous misdemeanor and felony cases. As a prosecutor, Stephanie witnessed the inherent disparities within the framework of the Louisiana Criminal System. During her term at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, Stephanie advocated for victims of crime while obtaining a better understanding of the resilience and often underrepresented community in New Orleans.

Stephanie later moved into the private sector, specializing in Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation. Stephanie successfully litigated claims against various governmental entities in both State and Federal courts through the representation of minorities racially profiled and brutalized at the hands of law enforcement.

Stephanie is a graduate of Southern University Law Center, where she served as a research assistant for Donald F. Tibbs - Assistant Professor of Law and Executive Director of the Institute for Civil Rights and Justice. Stephanie earned a B.A. in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami. Stephanie is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the National Bar Association. Stephanie is a member of the advisory board for 18th Ward.

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