BGT’s passion for the success of students and support of advocates have been an ever-present part of her professional careers.  BGT has been the law student of color who had to prove herself constantly to be seen for her gifts, talents, and passion.  She’s had the law school experience with very few advocates of color to help her navigate the litigation world she would soon face. As an attorney, she’s been in work environments where she’s had to shoulder being a great advocate, while also carrying the weight of her race and community. BGT knows the importance of having mentorship and support from those who have had the same or similar experiences.  

For BGT, the Color of Excellence (COE®️) is the missing piece to the puzzle and a need that must be filled for the community.  

So why join the Color of Excellence?  

BGT affirms, “It’s time to change how we educate and support law students and attorneys of color.  We are the change that we want to see.  It’s time to come out of the shadows and stand up proudly.  The Color of Excellence is the first step in creating a community and legacy to make it happen. It’s not about me. It’s about every law student and attorney of color who seeks to find a safe space and support they need to achieve their personal goals and impact the world.”

BGT is a trailblazer who is a zealous Public Defender turned Assistant Director, Adjunct Professorial Lecturer, Trainer, Coach, and DEI Consultant. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  She graduated from Lincoln Park High School (Chicago, IL) with an International Baccalaureate degree and several academic and music awards.  BGT then went on to Howard University (Washington, DC) where she majored in Communication & Culture and graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Arts. She graduated with various distinctions and honors, including John H. Johnson School of Communications’ Dean’s List Award; Lambda Pi Eta Graduate of Excellence Award; Martin Luther King, Jr. Forensic Society Special Talent Scholarship; and Office of Residence Life Senior Legacy Award.  After Howard, BGT went to law school in Washington, DC where she focused on criminal defense and trial advocacy.  She graduated law school with multiple highest-grade designations, mock trial competition rankings and awards, and the Mooers Trophy for being outstanding in trial advocacy.  Throughout her collegiate and law school education, BGT exemplified her passion for helping others while also excelling in her craft. 

“It’s time to change how we educate and support law students and attorneys of color.  We are the change that we want to see.  It’s time to come out of the shadows and stand up proudly.”

BGT went on to serve indigent clients in her role as a public defender.  She started her career at the Legal Aid Society (LAS)’s Criminal Defense Practice (Brooklyn, NY) and later worked at the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) (Baltimore, MD).  At both organizations, BGT was an unapologetic champion for her clients and advocate for diversity.  She not only spoke out against racial and social injustice, she led and facilitated opportunities for attorneys of color to come together and support each other.  At LAS, she was an active member of Attorneys of Color Caucus. At the OPD, she was the Recruitment Subcommittee Chair on the Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee and frequently held post-work events for the attorneys of color in Baltimore City. 

After years as a public defender, BGT returned to her law school alma mater and the program that helped her be a successful advocate. There, she served as the Assistant Director of Student Competition Teams and an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer.  BGT, once again, found her niche for educating and supporting others.  A champion for all students, BGT became a well-known professor and coach.  She also was an ally and mentor for students of color as they navigated their journeys in law school and their journeys to be successful attorneys.   BGT taught multiple sections of Criminal Trial Advocacy and a section of Civil Trial Advocacy where she educated students from all walks of life and with varying trial advocacy skills.  She coached multiple mock trial for competition teams and advised students on moot court, alternative dispute resolution, and transactional law competition teams. In any given semester, BGT interacted with over 100 law students.  Unsurprisingly, her office was a student hot spot that was often occupied during the work day.

“The Color of Excellence is the first step in creating a community and legacy to make it happen. It’s not about me. It’s about every law student and attorney of color who seeks to find a safe space and support they need to achieve their personal goals and impact the world.”

During her time as an educator and coach, BGT was active in both the law school and advocacy communities. BGT participated in multiple panels advocating diversity, equity, and support for students of color when she was a coach and educator.  In August 2020, she led and spoke on a panel titled, A Call to Change - A Time to Act: Responding to the National Movement. She also participated on committees with fellow advocacy educators to create a national organization.  Additionally, BGT led the hosting responsibilities for multiple competitions and advocacy events, including the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s National Trial Competition - Region III; Capitol City Challenge’s Alumni Reception; National Criminal Defense College’s Cross Examination Workshop; and Honor Societies Year-End Celebration.  BGT managed recruitment of and provided trainings for judges and evaluators at multiple competitions, including mock trial and alternative dispute resolution. BGT also authored the case file for the 2019 Tournament of Champions - a prestigious, invite-only mock trial competition.

BGT has trained law students, lawyers ranging from new to seasoned, and various professionals from across the national. She was a invited trainer to the Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr. Indigent Criminal Defense Seminar Virtual Conference, hosted by the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Virginia State Bar, in partnership with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. BGT conducted a presentation during the Advanced Cross Examination for the Experienced Defender segment of this virtual conference. Over 1500 defenders attended this webinar.

Recently, BGT joined the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) as their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Director. In this role, BGT leads the DEI and Racial Justice Meetups and consults with defense professionals as they work to affect change in public defense and the communities they serve. In this role, BGT also works collaboratively with the NAPD team on various conferences, meetups, and training events. She started with NAPD as an invited speaker at a conference in 2021, and now she’s proud to be a NAPD leader.

BGT continues to be a zealous advocate representing indigent clients facing federal misdemeanor cases. BGT continues to be a fearless trial lawyer who uses cultural and racial competence to best serve her clients.

Beyond all of the work she does, she loves spending time with her loving husband and spectacular daughter. She continues to provide meaningful mentorship to many and remains a consistent presence for her family and friends.

With both her personal and professional experiences combined, BGT seeks to educate, enhance, and empower others to impact the world and affect change. COE®️ is her gift to the world.