About Jeanette A. Michael
Jeanette A. Michael was a member of the GW Board of Trustees and a founder and first president of GW’s Black Law Alumni Association (BLAA, now ABLA). She was a passionate advocate for both breast cancer awareness and the advancement of African-American members of the legal community.
Prior to and consistent with her service as the first president of the BLAA, Ms. Michael was an active member of GW’s Black Law Student Association, calling the organization “a revolutionary group of folks whose common goals and experiences kept us connected to one another.”
In 2009, GW recognized Ms. Michael with the Spirit of Life Award at its Annual Cancer Gala. A breast cancer fighter herself, Ms. Michael inspired others as a community leader and personal example of perseverance and hope. She also received an Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University in 1997.
During her distinguished career, Ms. Michael was a past president of the D.C. Chapter of the National Forum on Black Public Administrators, former chief of staff to the D.C. mayor, and a former executive director of the D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Board.
The GW Law community is exceptionally proud of the life, career, and advocacy of our friend and colleague. In recognition of her commitment to the GW Law community, the Law School established the Jeanette A. Michael Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to a student who reflects the principles evidenced by Ms. Michael’s life. More specifically, a 2L/3L with service to the BLSA community, the GW Law community, or the greater DC community, intent to pursue public interest law or involvement in the Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics.
