Petronilla Sylvester - Woman in Workplace Leadership

Petronilla Sylvester is the Director of Legal Diversity Pipeline Programs at Street Law Inc. She served as the Director of the Legal Studies Program and Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at Missouri Western State University for the past three years.  With over 25 years of global legal experience and a decade in academia, she is dedicated to advancing access to justice through legal education. Since making her entrance in 2021, Petronilla has designed and offered new courses and modules at MWSU that focus on access to justice, civil rights, social justice, and related topics. Petronilla has successfully amplified her department's work through digital media and secured a Fulbright Scholar for MWSU seeking to enhance global perspectives. She revived a defunct student organization in her department, earning the Best Faculty Advisor award. Engaged in various committees and community events that champion diversity and cultural exchange, Petronilla was recognized with the 2023 Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award. She currently serves on the Human Rights Commission as well as the Advisory Council for the International Legal Foundation, both through which she works to fight discrimination and promote equity for all.