Recognizing a Commitment to Youth Justice Reform

Samantha Villa ’25, a dedicated criminal justice student at the University of New Haven, has been named the recipient of the Diane Sierpina Award for Passion in Youth Justice Reform. This prestigious award, presented annually by the University’s , recognizes students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for change within the youth justice system. For Villa, the award is both an honor and a reaffirmation of her dedication to the field.

"Receiving the Diane Sierpina Award is a deeply meaningful recognition for me, as it reflects my dedication to youth justice and the work I’ve done so far in the field," Villa said. "It’s an honor that will help support my next steps toward attending law school, easing the financial burden of LSAT preparation and tuition."

Villa’s journey into youth justice reform was shaped by both personal experiences and academic influences. Growing up, she was inspired by her mother’s work with special education students, which instilled in her a desire to advocate for historically underrepresented and misunderstood populations. However, it wasn’t until a pivotal conversation with her father during a long drive to a soccer game in high school that she realized the legal field could be her path to making a lasting difference.

"From a young age, I felt a strong connection to helping those who are often overlooked," Villa said. "Initially, I was unsure if this passion would lead me to a career in teaching, policing, or social work. But after a conversation with my dad, I knew the legal system was the avenue where I could make the greatest impact."

Villa is currently majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice and delinquency prevention. She is also pursuing a paralegal certification to gain hands-on experience within the legal system.

Villa’s passion for youth justice reform was further ignited by the lessons and mentorship she received at the University of New Haven. Through her coursework, she was introduced to real-life cases that underscored systemic issues within the juvenile justice system. "My professors spoke about cases such as Kalief Browder’s, whose treatment in the justice system led to irreparable psychological harm and, ultimately, his tragic death," Villa explained. "They also discussed Supreme Court cases such as Roper v. Simmons, which, only 20 years ago, outlawed the death penalty for juvenile offenders.

“The more I learned about juvenile incarceration, treatment, and legislation, the more I felt personally responsible for inspiring systemic change and representing young people facing hardship,” Villa continued.

Villa has taken on leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom to develop the skills necessary for effective advocacy. As vice president of Phi Sigma Sigma and the lead plaintiff attorney for the University’s , she has honed her abilities in public speaking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

"These roles continue to instill in me the importance of empathetic leadership, effective communication, and understanding," Villa said. "They’ve strengthened my cultural competency, which will be invaluable as I advocate for youth with diverse backgrounds and experiences."

In addition to her leadership roles, Villa is actively involved in research that addresses critical issues in youth justice reform. Her Honors thesis is focusing on understanding the root causes of truancy and evaluating the effectiveness of community-based prevention methods.

"Truancy is often a gateway to deeper involvement in the justice system," Villa said. "I feel a sense of responsibility in addressing this issue and proposing solutions that could help reform the juvenile justice system."

Working with a dataset provided by the Tow Youth Justice Institute, Villa is in the process of finalizing her proposal for review by the Honors Program. She hopes that her research will contribute valuable insights to the field and help shape policies that better support at-risk youth.

Beyond her academic work, Villa’s internship at the Waterbury Reentry Center has given her firsthand experience with the challenges and successes of reintegration after incarceration. This experience has deepened her understanding of the long-term effects of the justice system and reinforced her desire to advocate for youth who need support and representation.

"This award strengthens my commitment to this cause and reminds me of the responsibility to continue working toward positive change for youth," Villa said. "I am inspired to continue my journey with even more determination, knowing that I am part of a larger movement dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people in need."