MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.

This month’s perspective is courtesy of Giovonni Wade, Director of Diversity Initiatives, University of North Carolina School of Law.

What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year?

UNC School of Law, 2008.

What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?

I was introduced to the criminal justice system at an early age when my father was incarcerated. This introduction probably inspired my childhood interest in television shows like Matlock and Perry Mason. While I did not have any attorneys in my family and did not know much about the profession, I was drawn to the idea of helping people navigate challenging situations and obtain favorable outcomes. Although I am not practicing law at this time, this desire is what led me to the work I do today.

Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career.

As a professional, my biggest obstacle has been challenging what I believe about myself. I continue to work through self-limiting thoughts and beliefs that I am not ready for certain positions and titles. It does not help that as a woman of color, I am no stranger to people undervaluing what I bring to the table. However, I am so grateful for the colleagues, friends, and family who see the talents and gifts I possess before I see them for myself.

Do you have a message of encouragement for others who may have experienced similar challenges or adversity as a diverse attorney?

Many of us were the firsts in our families. We did not have family members to look to for advice on our educational or professional journeys, and we got used to figuring things out on our own. The problem with doing everything on our own is burnout. You wind up working so much harder than needed and exhausting the time and energy you need for other areas of life. Trying to do everything on your own can be incredibly isolating. It results in missed opportunities to build valuable relationships with individuals that can help, encourage, and advocate for you along the way. You are not alone. Many others have faced some of the same challenges you are experiencing, or at least something similar. Yes, your persistence, resourcefulness, and skills got you here, but to go further while also becoming a more well-balanced version of yourself, you need to embrace your community. The road ahead is hard enough — don’t make it harder by going down it alone.

Giovonni Wade is the Director of Diversity Initiatives in the Career Development Office at the University of North Carolina School of Law. She counsels students and alumni on all aspects of their job search and professional development. Her special focus is providing targeted support and resources to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Before joining UNC, Giovonni practiced at an education law firm in downtown Raleigh, where she represented K-12 school boards throughout North Carolina. She transitioned into higher education and stepped into the role of career services director and then Assistant Dean of Career and Professional Development at North Carolina Central University School of Law. She has been active with the North Carolina and Wake County Bar Associations. She currently serves on the NCBA’s Minorities in the Profession Committee and co-chaired Adelante this past year. She previously chaired the NCBA Education Law Section and has served on various committees for the Wake County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

May 27, 2022/by NCBA MIP