PV Grads: Akela Woodard-Mardis

My name is Akela Woodard-Mardis, and I am a proud alum of Prairie View A&M University. I earned my bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2022, and on December 13, 2024, I will graduate from Prairie View A&M with my master's degree in juvenile justice.

My journey has not been easy, but it is one of strength and determination. I began at Prairie View A&M in 2004, but at that time, I was not focused and eventually dropped out. Life took a different turn when I became a single mother to two beautiful children (Daylen & Kharleigh). However, the challenges I faced only strengthened my commitment to rise above my circumstances.

In 2020, my stepfather, Vincent Thornton, passed away from sarcoidosis. His loss was devastating, but it also inspired me. Since we both had the shared experience of leaving Prairie View unfinished, I decided to honor him by finishing what we started.

Returning to school, I poured everything into my studies. I went from a college dropout to maintaining a 3.7 GPA, consistently making the Dean's and Honors List during my undergraduate years. In graduate school, I excelled further, earning only one B throughout my program. I am also a proud member of Prairie View A&M's Graduate Student Organization, and I was selected by the Dean to serve on the Dean's Student Council for the College of Juvenile Justice.

In addition to my studies at Prairie View A&M, I am also a full-time student at Texas A&M University School of Law, where I am sharpening my skills to serve as a certified mediator. I am an active member of the NAACP and the National Black Law Students Association, working to advance equity and justice.

One unforgettable experience was being selected as one of 25 students nationwide to attend the National Institute of Justice National Research Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This prestigious event, fully funded by the Department of Justice, allowed me to engage with leading researchers and participate in direct workshops. I met brilliant minds in criminal justice and even had the privilege of meeting Nancy La Vigne, the Director of the National Institute of Justice. The conference deepened my commitment to excellence and inspired me to push the boundaries of justice reform.

Refocusing on my education also opened the door to incredible personal growth. During this time, I met my husband, Wendell Mardis, and we have now been happily married for two years. Together, we are building a life centered on love, faith, and shared goals.

Earning my bachelor's degree was a tribute to my stepfather, but earning my master's degree is a testament to my personal perseverance and my desire to create a better future for myself and my children.

Through this journey, I discovered my passion for criminal justice, equality, diversity, and juvenile rehabilitation. My next goal is to pursue my J.D. (Juris Doctor) and one day become a Juvenile Justice Judge, creating meaningful change in the lives of young people.

My dedication to making a difference goes beyond my academic and career aspirations. I am deeply committed to serving my community and giving back in meaningful ways. Whether it is organizing local events, mentoring youth, or volunteering regularly, I believe in the power of uplifting others and inspiring positive change.

Growing up in a world where systemic inequities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, I've seen how young people can end up caught in a cycle of despair through a justice system that often punishes rather than rehabilitates. I believe every child deserves an opportunity to redirect their path, which fuels my desire to become a Juvenile Justice Judge. I strive to not only administer justice but also to advocate for programs and policies that provide second chances, mentorship, and a way out of the pipeline to prison.

I see potential in every child, even those society has labeled as "troubled." These young individuals often carry the weight of circumstances beyond their control: poverty, trauma, and systemic racism. By focusing on rehabilitation and restoration rather than punishment, I hope to guide them toward becoming thriving, contributing members of society.

Because our future depends on the investment we make in our youth today. When we provide meaningful interventions for at-risk juveniles, we break generational cycles of poverty and incarceration, strengthen families, and create safer, more equitable communities. As a society, we cannot afford to let brilliance and potential slip through the cracks. By building equality and diversity in the justice system, we ensure a brighter future for everyone.

This journey isn't just about me; it's about planting seeds of change, one young life at a time, and creating a world where fairness, empathy, and opportunity exist.

Prairie View A&M University played a huge role in my transformation. The connections, opportunities, and experiences I gained here built my confidence and ignited my passion for justice.

Returning to Prairie View A&M and earning both my bachelor's and master's degrees has been a life-changing journey. This HBCU has empowered me to step into my purpose and embrace the motto, "Prairie View Produces Productive People."

Akela Woodard-Mardis '22 will graduate from Prairie View A&M University this fall with a Master of Science in Juvenile Justice. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester's notable graduates.

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