Meet The Team

  • Valérie Cambronne is the Founder and Executive Director of LegallyBlack, where she oversees the organization’s creative vision, impact, and operations. With over four years of experience as an intellectual property (IP) attorney and five years of experience as Founder and Executive Director of LegallyBlack, Inc., Valérie seamlessly combines her legal expertise with her passion for advancing justice and equity for underserved communities. As Executive Director, she is deeply committed to LegallyBlack’s mission of empowering students through increasing their IP literacy. Valérie holds a juris doctor from American University Washington College of Law and an undergraduate degree in Political Science and minors in Sociology and Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. Outside of her professional endeavors, Valérie enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle and exploring new cultures through travel.

LegallyBlack
LegallyBlack

  • Kiara Ortiz is the Founder and Executive Director of LegallyBlack, where she oversees the organization's overall strategy, operations, and public representation. With over five years of experience as the Founder of LegallyBlack, Inc. and as an attorney in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector, Kiara is passionate about increasing awareness of the importance of content protection and works to provide valuable resources for underrepresented communities to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to protect and leverage their creations. Kiara holds a juris doctor degree from American University, Washington College of Law, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Spelman College. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kiara is passionate about spending time at the beach, and experiencing live music events.

  • Raina Barbee serves as the Director of Volunteer Engagement and Legal Strategy at LegallyBlack, where she oversees volunteer relationships and provides strategic legal guidance. As an experienced intellectual property attorney, Raina is passionate about bridging the gap in intellectual property education, empowering marginalized communities to understand and leverage its value. She earned her juris doctor from American University Washington College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Spelman College. Outside of her professional endeavors, Raina enjoys traveling, cooking, and giving back through community volunteering.

  • Nicole Martin is the Director of Development at LegallyBlack, where they play a pivotal role in advancing LegallyBlack's mission through curriculum development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising. With 3 years of experience in nonprofit law, Nicole has a passion for social justice and works to empower minority creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Nicole holds a juris doctor degree from Sandra Day O' Connor of Law at Arizona State University, a masters of laws degree in Intellectual Property from American University Washington College of Law, and an undergraduate degree in Sociology Law and Society from the University of California Riverside. Outside of their professional work, Nicole is passionate about community service and is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for youth in Black and Brown communities by helping them leverage their unique skills and pursue their aspirations.

  • Keyana Pusey is the Director of Copyright Education and Community Engagement at LegallyBlack, where she utilizes her expertise to develop and deliver accessible educational programs focused on copyright law. With 4 years of experience in the field, Keyana is passionate about empowering students and creatives with the knowledge to protect their rights and bridging the gap between intellectual property resources and underrepresented communities. Keyana holds a juris doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from Temple University. Outside of her professional work, Keyana loves listening to music, watching movies, and traveling the world.  

LegallyBlack

  • LaShana Calloway is a Program Director at LegallyBlack, where she plans LegallyBlack's programming initiatives, including workshops, fundraising and social media campaigns for the organization throughout the programming year. With more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on grants and contract administration, LaShana has a passion for helping students and children feel empowered to ask questions and seek knowledge that could protect them and their intellectual property, both today and throughout their careers, and works to find innovative partnerships and program opportunities to pursue this goal. LaShana holds a juris doctor degree from American University, a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia, and undergraduate degrees in Communication, Comparative Literature, and Advertising from the University of Georgia. Outside of her professional work, LaShana is passionate about spending time with her children and family, stumbling upon new adventures to read and watch, and writing short stories.

  • Daniel Henry is a Director of Patent Education & Community Engagement at LegallyBlack, where they bridge the gap in patent law knowledge within the community, particularly through the development and refinement of patent-related curriculum and workshops. With 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, Daniel has a passion for protecting Black innovation and inventorship, and works to demystify the nuances of patent law for aspiring Black inventors and practitioners. Daniel holds a juris doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Kalamazoo College. Outside of their professional work, Daniel is passionate about tennis, basketball, and giving back to the communities that have shaped him.