Toni Momodu ’25 was one of 30 students selected nationally by the Council for Opportunity in Education to attend the inaugural TRIO Future Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
The weeklong event brought together college students from across the United States and its territories to elevate their leadership skills, expand career opportunities in public policy and connect with influential policymakers.
“I was drawn to this program because it aligned perfectly with my interests — policy work, legal advocacy, leadership and networking. The opportunity to connect with like-minded students, policymakers and government officials was something I couldn’t pass up,” Momodu said. “I was honored to be part of the first cohort and to help lay the foundation for what I believe will be a meaningful legacy.”
As a student at Susquehanna, Momodu is a creative writing and legal studies double major. She has been part of TRIO since her first year at the university and mentored incoming students since her sophomore year. Since then, she has traveled to Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh and New York through the TRIO program, with highlights including cultural experiences, visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and touring Columbia University.
“TRIO has been such a support during my time here at Susquehanna,” she said. “It has truly changed my life.”
During the TRIO Future Leaders Summit, students attended panel discussions and workshops that covered topics such as internship opportunities, graduate school and pursuing careers in public policy. They also attended networking receptions and traveled to Capitol Hill where they visited with senators and representatives and toured the Capitol Building.
“Toni represents the very best of what TRIO stands for — resilience, ambition and the courage to shape a better future,” said Bhavani Ali, senior director of Student Development Services at Susquehanna University. “Watching her grow into a confident advocate has been inspiring. I have no doubt she will leave a profound mark on the world.”
Following Momodu’s graduation from Susquehanna in August, she will join the Sauder Schelkopf LLC law firm in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, as a legal intake and case investigator. In this role she will gather case details, interview clients and support attorneys with case preparation. This role will help her further develop the research and analytical skills she plans to put to use in law school on her path to becoming a family law attorney. She also plans to continue writing with the hopes of publishing her memoir, novels and poetry anthologies.
“I believe the resources, connections and training I received at the summit will be invaluable as I pursue law school and a legal career. Whether I’m at a firm or shaping policy, this experience lays the foundation for the kind of impact I want to make as a professional,” Momodu said. “My ultimate goal is to find fulfillment in both my legal and creative careers, and I feel like I’m on the right path.”
