Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Alexis Cammack, a recent graduate of the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, has embarked on a career as a public defender with the Department of Public Advocacy. Her journey into law was driven by her awareness of injustices and the underrepresentation of Black individuals in the legal field.

“I realized that Black people are not represented in the legal field, and it solidified me wanting to be a lawyer,” Cammack explained. “I want to give people in our community who don’t have a voice a voice.”

Cammack attributes her commitment to service to her upbringing at St. Augustine Church, where her grandmother, Kathleen Cammack, emphasized giving one’s “time, talent and treasure” to the church.

“Giving your life and what you have for the benefit of others; it’s what I was taught growing up,” she shared.

Her path through law school was challenging. After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville in 2023, she participated in the school’s 3+3 Program, which allowed her to begin law school early.

“It was the hardest, most isolating thing I’ve done,” Cammack stated. “It’s like learning a new language. … The bulk of it was, you were thrown into the fire and told to fly.”

Cammack credits her Catholic education with providing strength during these challenges. She is an alumna of Nativity Academy at St. Boniface and Presentation Academy.

“Nativity prepared me for high school,” she said. “It helped me step into being a Black woman... Nativity allowed me to figure out who I was and how to use my voice as a Black woman without feeling like I was neglecting other parts of me or the diversity in my family.”

The support from Nativity Academy continued beyond graduation through their Graduate Support Program.

“Nativity followed me every step of the way,” she noted.

Suzanne Haugh, overseeing Nativity's graduate program, emphasized their ongoing support: “At the very top, we’re about trying to remove barriers or help them navigate barriers so they can pursue their goals and have a fulfilling life.”

Last fall, with support from Catholic entities including Nativity Academy, Cammack organized an expungement clinic at Louisville’s Catholic Enrichment Center where 140 people attended.

“They’re doing lots of great things in different places,” Haugh remarked regarding Nativity graduates’ diverse career paths.

Cammack's immediate goal is serving as a public defender while aspiring towards civil rights law in future endeavors. She recently received recognition at the African American Catholic Leadership Awards Dinner on May 17 for her efforts within the community.