Paying It Forward: Gailliard ’07, BLSA Honoree, Stresses Importance of Law School Diversity

Glinnesa D. Gailliard, Esq. ’07 is nearly a decade removed from law school. But her time in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) reverberates to this day, which is why she makes it a point to pay it forward to current BLSA students at Albany Law School.

Gailliard was among five distinguished Albany Law School graduates, professors, and community members honored for their service and commitment to diversity at the BLSA Gala on Saturday, April 22.

“I am truly honored to receive this award from the Black Law Students Association at Albany Law School,” Gailliard said. “As a past BLSA member, I understand the importance of diversity at Albany Law and the need to have people with whom I can share my experiences of being a student—a future lawyer—of color.”

Photos: 2017 BLSA Gala

The gala was held to celebrate diversity, and to highlight the goals and initiatives of BLSA. Other award winners were: Hon. Christina L. Ryba ’01, New York State Supreme Court Justice, Third Judicial District; Hon. Helena Heath, Albany City Court Judge; Nadia Castriota, Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions, Albany Law School; and Donald Pritchett Jr., Executive Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management & Administration, Albany Medical College, Adjunct Professor, Albany Law School.

Gailliard said she is still in contact with many of the attorneys of color who she met as a BLSA member. Because of BLSA’s influence on her life and career, Gailliard continues to make herself available as a resource for the organization.

“This year I celebrate my 10th year as an Albany Law School graduate and am proud to see all of the great work BLSA has done not just for the Albany Law School community, but for the community as a whole,” said Gailliard, who serves as a BLSA advisor.

"Glinnesa was chosen for this award because she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the Albany Law School BLSA chapter," said BLSA president Brianna Vaughan ’17. "She has availed herself to be not only a great mentor for the entire executive board, but also one of our strongest alumni advocates."

Gailliard is a native of Albany. She currently volunteers her time as a board member of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services, Inc., whose mission is to provide quality health care to low- and no-income residents in the Capital District. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Mu Omega chapter where she serves as the Assistant Secretary and Connection Chairman. Gailliard serves on the board of the Albany Law School National Alumni Association and is a member of the Capital District Black and Hispanic Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, serving as a member of the House of Delegates and on the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion.

She lives in Albany with her daughter, Alexis.