Elizabeth Ndukwe

I was born in Dallas and raised in Mesquite, Texas, where I developed a strong sense of community and resilience. My academic journey began at Dallas College – Eastfield Campus, where I earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice in May 2024 with a 3.39 GPA. During my time there, I explored my passion for justice and public service, which inspired me to pursue further education and leadership opportunities. Throughout my life, teachers and mentors have played a significant role in motivating me to work hard and stay focused. I also gained early work experience through part-time jobs that helped shape my time management skills and professional mindset.

I’m currently attending Sam Houston State University, where I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Forensic Science. I balance academics with multiple roles on campus, including serving as a student employee and a camp counselor during summer programs like CJ Summer Camp. I’m actively involved in the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), where I help coordinate events and discussions on justice reform. This past semester, I completed an honors contract in my Victimology course, focusing on media bias in missing persons cases, especially how women of color are underrepresented. This project enabled me to merge academic research with advocacy, strengthening my passion for equity in the justice system.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in forensic psychology or criminal profiling, where I can contribute to understanding the psychological factors behind criminal behavior and advocate for fair and ethical practices within the justice system. My ultimate goal is to earn a graduate degree and work in a role that allows me to make a tangible impact, whether through ethical investigations, rehabilitation initiatives, mental health advocacy, policy reform, or investigative work. I’m especially passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and the criminal justice system and being a voice for those who often go unheard. In the long term, I hope to mentor and uplift the next generation of students, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, by demonstrating that with perseverance and purpose, they too can create meaningful change.