CCS Alumni Promoted to Senior Educational Attorney

Alyssa Phillips has come a long way since delivering her valedictory speech at Central Christian High School in 2010. She has embarked on a remarkable journey of academic excellence and dedicated service to her community, embodying the values instilled during her time at Central Christian School. Her journey through academia and into the legal profession has been marked by achievements and a steadfast commitment to serving marginalized communities, particularly those experiencing homelessness in the greater Chicago land area.

After graduating with highest honors from Wheaton College in Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Urban Studies, Alyssa set her sights on law school. She pursued her Juris Doctorate (JD) at the University of Notre Dame Law School, where she continued to excel academically and hone her skills as a future advocate for social justice.

Following law school, Alyssa's career took a pivotal turn when she was awarded the prestigious two-year Equal Justice Works Fellowship. This fellowship allowed her to address critical legal challenges facing underserved populations in Chicago. Alyssa focused her efforts on improving access to justice for homeless communities, with a particular emphasis on advocating for the educational rights and dignity of students. This fellowship allowed her to address critical legal challenges facing underserved populations in Chicago, particularly those experiencing homelessness. 

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Alyssa's impactful work with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless earned her increasing responsibilities and recognition within the organization. Her promotion to Senior Educational Attorney in June 2024 underscores her leadership and the trust placed in her ability to effect meaningful change.

In her current role as a public interest attorney, Alyssa Phillips continues to be a formidable force in the fight for educational equity. She provides direct legal representation to families and children experiencing homelessness, ensuring they receive the educational opportunities they deserve. Alyssa engages in community education and trains administrators, teachers, and service providers, empowering others to support this vulnerable population effectively.

Alyssa's influence extends beyond the courtroom. She actively contributes to policy writing, shaping legislation that impacts the lives of families experiencing homelessness throughout Illinois. Her efforts have resulted in tangible improvements to the legal framework governing homelessness, setting precedents and raising standards for advocacy in this field.

Looking ahead, Alyssa remains dedicated to advancing social justice. Her journey from valedictorian to Senior Educational Attorney is a testament to her unwavering commitment, intellect, and compassion to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those He has called her to serve. As she continues to navigate the complexities of public interest law and social policy, Alyssa Phillips stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for the communities she serves. Her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact Central Christian School had on her life in her desire to pursue her dreams of being a different kind of lawyer as she seeks to answer the question in Micah 6:8, "...and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"