Congratulations to Ryan Ragland for a multitude of outstanding accomplishments!

In addition to her leadership at the Public Defender’s Office, Ryan is a community leader that constantly strives to better the lives of our clients. Ryan has taken on a lot of additional hard work and has deservedly received recognition!

Ryan recently received a Judicial appointment to the River City Facilities Governing Board.

Cornell University

Ryan also recently completed Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion certificate program. The course emphasized that all leaders have the responsibility for building culture within an organization. There were four primary topics covered: Improving Engagement, Counteracting Unconscious Bias, Diversity and Inclusion at Work, and Fostering an Inclusive Climate. 

Black Defender Leadership Institute

While enrolled in her Cornell studies, Ryan learned that she had been accepted into the Black Defender Leadership Institute that was developed by the Black Public Defender Association. 

BPDA developed the Black Defender Leadership Institute (BDLI) to train emerging Black leaders and support them in becoming the next generation of leaders in public defense who are equipped to dismantle systems of racialized oppression. BDLI was designed to encourage participants to see themselves as part of the movement and to seek leadership positions at their organizations whenever available.

BDLI is the first of its kind in the country. It provides specialized leadership training for Black defenders along with professional support tailored to the unique lived experiences of balancing their professional development in an overwhelmingly white profession while helping their fellow Black brethren navigate through traumatic systems of oppression and harm. BDLI is unique in its mission to offer continuous personalized support to Black emerging leaders as they reach new benchmarks, assume new positions, and achieve career goals.

2022 Federal Bar Association PLEDGE Emerging Leader Honoree

Ryan was one of thirteen emerging women lawyers recognized by the Federal Bar Association earlier this year. Ryan was selected because of her notable legal experience, exceptional legal talent and skill, exemplary legal standards and professionalism, and her commitment and dedication to both her workplace and community.

Congratulations!

Kathryn A. Ancona

Deputy Director

Law Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender