CUNY Law Alumnae Selected from Over 6,000 Applicants for Prestigious Initiative
Dalourny Nemorin, a 2014 graduate and Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx, has been selected for the prestigious Obama Foundation’s Leaders Program. This achievement places her among a select group of emerging leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities and beyond.
As a Bronx resident and child of immigrants, Nemorin’s dedication to defending and advancing the rights of marginalized communities has been central to her career. At the Legal Aid Society, she represents clients in appeals processes and supports post-conviction proceedings, including parole advocacy. Her community involvement extends to serving as the committee chairperson of policies, bylaws, and legislation for the Bronx Community Board.
The Obama Foundation’s Leaders Program, which expanded to the United States in 2023, aims to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers. Nemorin was chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 6,000 applicants, reflecting the Program’s rigorous standards.
Expressing her enthusiasm about the opportunity, Nemorin shares, “I am juggling my job with my Obama Leaders Fellowship, a six-month leadership training that I believe will significantly enhance my community-organizing skills. We meet at least once a week. We are also paired with an executive leadership coach. It is truly a pleasure to have been chosen; it’s not often public defenders get recognized as leaders.”
Designed for emerging leaders aged 24-45, the program brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds in government, civil society, and the private sector. Over six months, participants engage in weekly virtual sessions with experts, work in small groups for peer learning, and receive individual leadership coaching.
Nemorin’s passion for her field is evident: “One’s life reflects the accumulation of good and bad decisions. But, being a lawyer is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I LOVE IT. I love being an advocate for those who are underprivileged and disempowered. I enforce laws meant to protect people, and, as an appellate attorney, I hope to create more.”
The program focuses on deepening leadership skills and exploring how a values-based approach can strengthen democratic culture and collective action. It also aims to equip participants with tools to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities.
Nemorin’s selection highlights her outstanding contributions to the legal field and her community. As she joins a global network of over 1,000 active changemakers, she will gain a broader perspective and further hone her skills in driving systems-level change.
Reflecting on her CUNY Law experience, Nemorin conveys, “I often like to say I was CUNY-fied — the reason being I am from Florida, and, at best, I was progressive for someone from Florida. But, I am nothing like the person I would have become without my three years at CUNY Law. I had no idea how intricately pervasive oppression is in so many systems.”
This recognition serves as an inspiration to young professionals seeking to make a difference. As Nemorin embarks on this transformative journey, she is poised to amplify her impact and continue her vital work in advancing justice and equality in the Bronx and beyond. “The only job I have ever done as a lawyer, and the only work I ever want to do, is to serve the underprivileged and disempowered and make a difference in this world, however small or big.”