Shelby McKenzie (J.D. ’18) has been selected as an American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) Next Generation Leader, one of a small group of students selected from its nearly 200 chapters who have demonstrated commitment to ACS engagement and strong leadership qualities.
Founded in 2001, the ACS is one of the nation's leading progressive legal organizations, comprised of a network of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges, policymakers and other individuals dedicated to making the law a force to improve people’s lives. McKenzie is president of the Georgia State Law ACS Chapter.
“I joined ACS because I liked what they stood for and shared how they I felt about a lot of issues that our nation faces today. We advocate for a progressive view of the Constitution and believe that decency and compassion should be more pervasive in American law,” McKenzie said. “If someone has an issue that’s important to them, and they need to talk about, ACS wants to find that person some money, some space and an audience. My role as president is to offer support and resources to students who want to have those important discussions about progressive law and policy.”
McKenzie was selected as a Next Generation Leader through a competitive application process, impressing the ACS team with her leadership and dedication to the ACS mission.
“ACS has helped me grow so much as an advocate and as a professional. I’ve met legislators, advocates, attorneys and judges, and have been able to take advantage of so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” she said.
As president, McKenzie has helped increase the Georgia State Law chapter’s involvement within the national organization and within the Atlanta legal community. They hosted the ACS Southeast Regional Convention at Georgia State Law in September, as well as the annual Legislative Preview, various speaker lunches and informational events.
“Shelby has been an active, engaged and determined student from the moment she walked in the doors here three years ago. She has given tirelessly to promoting the American Constitution Society—increasing its campus visibility and involving the student body. This is such an awesome and well-deserved fellowship. We are so very proud of her,” said Jessica Gabel Cino, associate dean for academic affairs and associate professor of law. Cino recommended McKenzie for the program.
As a Next Generation Leader, McKenzie will receive unique access to ACS career development resources and networking opportunities, and help to shape the future vision of the organization.
“The Next Generation Leaders Program is a group of the most active student leaders from the ACS law student chapters. NGL provides contacts, networking and support for the most active student chapters. I look forward to representing Georgia State Law at NGL events, the ACS National Convention and getting to meet and share ideas with other ACS student leaders about advocacy and programming,” McKenzie said.
To learn more about events the Georgia State Law ACS chapter has planned, follow facebook.com/GSUACS/ and @GeorgiaStateACS.