Courtney Choy ‘21 grew up going to court with her mother, a court interpreter, when childcare wasn’t available. She’d watch the action from the benches at the back of the courtroom, or the witness waiting room, or the area where jurors waited. As a social worker, her father also regularly worked with the court system.
“I grew up in that environment, and saw how they used their talents and skills to help others, and I felt it was right to lend my voice to that too,” says Choy who was crowned Miss Hawaii 2021 two days after receiving her JD diploma from Dean Camille Nelson of the William S. Richardson School of Law.
“I grew up shy and not always speaking out,” Choy continued, “but law school helped me find my voice.”
Choy’s voice as Miss Hawaii – and as a newly minted lawyer - will be used to speak out on behalf of women and girls – to empower them, and build their belief in themselves.
“I went into law school with that mindset – I’m here to serve Hawai‘i. I can’t give up. I have to be this person for another child out there who is struggling,” says Choy. “When I was younger I struggled so much with self doubt and confidence and learning to embrace who I was becoming. I want to reinforce that trust in yourself, and hard work, and perseverance will pay off. I want to bring that kind of confidence to girls of all ages - to work hard and never give up.”
“We are delighted for Courtney and her family. I know that she will use the access and reach granted by her Miss Hawaii crown to continue to do great things,” said Dean Nelson.
As the new Miss Hawaii, Choy’s social impact initiative of women’s empowerment is what she learned through her own struggles. It’s an issue she also saw firsthand during her pro bono service at Richardson Law School working in the Domestic Violence Division of the City Prosecutor’s office.
The pro bono program is an integral part of the academic program at Richardson Law School, and fosters in law students a lifetime professional commitment to public service. While enriching their legal education, it also encourages law students to provide a portion of their 60 hours of commitment to persons of limited means or organizations that serve such persons. The program – initiated by law students themselves back in 1991 – recognizes the long tradition in the legal profession to serve the under-privileged and to ensure legal access for all.
“Looking at the issues surrounding domestic violence generally, that opened my eyes to how much injustice and challenge our state and nation face when it comes to women,” says Choy. “I want women to feel strong and empowered and never feel they have to compromise themselves in any situation.”
Although law was not something Choy had envisioned for herself early on, she remembers well the day at the Children’s Discovery Center during grade school when she settled herself behind a formal desk where children could pretend to be judges.
“I wore the robes and had the gavel,” she says of the photo that recorded that moment.
Years later during law school, she visited the Hawai‘i Supreme Court with the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity at Richardson, and sat behind the desk reserved for the Chief Justice as a friend took her photo.
As for her future, Choy says there’s nothing off the table, and she relishes the year ahead, living her commitments, and even continuing to take boxing lessons.
“I like to joke that ‘I can fight for you in court and out of court,’” she says with a laugh. “It’s about giving girls a chance. There is so much opportunity out there if people will believe in you.”