When 2024-25 2025 Student Bar Association President Ellenia Matthews walked across the stage at Cleveland State University College of Law’s recent graduation, she completed a journey that was decades in the making.
“There was a sense of coming full circle, of honoring a younger version of myself who dared to dream boldly.”
Ellenia has known she wanted to attend law school since a younger age than most -- at just four or five years old as she recalls. It was then she learned that her uncle had gone to prison as a teenager.
“Even though I couldn’t fully understand the legal system, I did understand the impact it had on my family,” Matthews recalled. “That early awareness planted a seed in me -- a desire to understand the law, to question fairness, and eventually, to be a part of shaping justice.”
Despite Ellenia’s early desire to study law, her path to law school was neither direct nor short. She graduated from Myers University with a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Education more than two decades ago and would also go on to earn her M.B.A. from the University. She has worked as a long-time Senior Personnel Assistant for the City of Cleveland where she manages the Business Office. She also worked as a long-time Paralegal at Zipkin Whiting Co. LPA. There she developed a deeper understanding of how the legal system affects people in more than just the criminal aspect.
“What truly captivated me was observing judges,” Matthews explained about her time as a paralegal. “Watching them balance legal principles with human complexity, I began to see that becoming a judge was not just a dream, but it was a calling. My time as a paralegal didn’t just confirm my desire to attend law school; it solidified it.”
Ellenia enrolled at CSU|LAW as a part-time student and continued to work full-time. After her first year of legal studies, the mother of three transitioned to part-time employment to allow time for participation in student organizations and community service, including serving as the SBA President.
During her term as SBA, Ellenia focused on fostering meaningful collaboration between students and the broader law school administration, including the Dean’s Office, Provost, CSULAA, Office of Institutional Equity, and Student Engagement. She worked to ensure that student needs ranging from financial support and accommodations to mental and physical wellness, mentorship, and networking, were heard and addressed.
“Leadership is never a solo journey,” Matthews reflected. “The relationships I formed—with faculty, staff, students, and administration -- were as essential as any time-management skill. Together, we built something meaningful.”
Ellenia faced an additional personal challenge during the year as well, as she served as power of attorney for her aunt, who passed away in March. She was able to adapt and find the energy to meet the needs of her family and classmates.