2024 PILLARS OF JUSTICE
The Appleseed Foundation is proud to name Sherrilyn Ifill, Wade J. Henderson, and Jamie Levitt as the recipients of the 2024 Appleseed Pillars of Justice Award.
The honorees’ work on civil rights, reproductive rights, and the public interest are powerful examples of Appleseed’s vision of a world where communities work together so every person can thrive and justice is abundant.
SHERRILYN IFILL
Sherrilyn Ifill, the former President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, has been a transformative figure in civil rights, advocating for equity and justice. Her leadership significantly shaped national discussions on racial justice and civil rights, making her a pivotal voice in the fight against systemic inequality. Ifill’s tenure at the Legal Defense Fund enhanced the organization’s visibility and impact on crucial civil rights issues, particularly in combating voter suppression and racial discrimination.
WADE J. HENDERSON
Wade J. Henderson, a revered civil rights leader and strategic advisor, is best known for his impactful tenure as president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Under his leadership, the organization became a powerful advocate for civil and human rights legislation in the United States. Henderson played a key role in passing major civil rights policies and continues to guide corporations, foundations, and non-profits on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
JAMIE LEVITT
Jamie Levitt is a distinguished trial lawyer, Managing Partner of Morrison & Foerster’s New York Office, and previous co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Trial Group, renowned for her expertise in complex litigation. She has also committed extensive pro bono hours in support of reproductive rights and other matters, and is deeply committed to public service, actively serving on the boards of service organizations such as New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Advocates For Children, and the Center for Reproductive Rights.
The Appleseed Advocate of the Year award honors a member of the Appleseed Network who has shown exceptional commitment to social justice and unwavering dedication to community collaboration.
This year’s award recipient, Teresa Woody, is the Litigation Director for Kansas Appleseed, where she leads the justice center’s bold impact litigation, including class action lawsuits to protect the rights and wellbeing of kids in the Kansas foster care system and young people in Wichita, disproportionately youth of color, placed on the city’s ‘gang list’ for simple everyday behaviors and appearances.
TERESA
WOODY
Teresa Woody’s fearless advocacy has made a real difference for the community. As her nominator for the Advocate of the Year award wrote, “Teresa looks at issues that have impacted those with the least amount of power, and she gets their power back. She is passionate about seeking justice and won’t stop until there’s a resolution. Kansas is a better state because Teresa is in our corner.”
“Working with Kansas Appleseed and the Appleseed Network is the apex of my career as a lawyer. To see these social justice warriors punch above their weight to strengthen and involve communities, protect the rights and wellbeing of children and adults, and seek representation and justice for all, and to be a small part of that effort, energizes me and gives me hope even on the toughest days.”
– Teresa Woody
September 12, 2024 | Washington, D.C.