Congratulations to Alanna Jackson (‘23, Sociology Major, and Minor in Statistics and Feminist & Gender Studies) on their recent appointment as an Eviction Defense Paralegal for Colorado Legal Services. Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is a non-profit agency that provides free, high-quality civil legal services to eligible low-income Coloradans and seniors.

In reflecting on this new chapter of their professional life, Alanna had this to say about the relationship between their work at CLS and what they learned through their FGS Minor:

"In January, I began a full-time position as an eviction defense paralegal for Colorado Legal Services, a statewide nonprofit that provides free legal services to low-income folks and seniors. As a paralegal with the Denver Housing Unit, I specifically work with tenants facing eviction. One of the main aspects of the role is co-leading court clinics to explain the eviction process, help tenants navigate their options for avoiding evictions, and connect tenants with resources, including rental assistance, mental health services, and food pantries.

My Feminist and Gender studies classes taught me how the legal system in the United States replicates and centers systems of power, including capitalism, white supremacy, and colonialism. Through this lens, I understand that facing an eviction is not an individual problem or simply due to lack of rent control or high-paying jobs. Rather, the high rate of evictions and the barriers to tenant rights are material manifestations of how systems of power work in tandem to enact violence on our communities. I hope to apply this critical lens to better understand how power mediates the eviction process and to continually interrogate my own role within this system. 

I am thrilled to be a part of such a passionate team at CLS, and I am excited to pay tribute to my FGS roots through focusing on and practicing communal care during my interactions with clients and my team members." 

Congratulations Alanna!  We are so proud to know you!