Paighton Brooks

McConnell Scholar Class of 2024

About

Paighton Brooks, of Alexandria, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2024 at the University of Louisville. She studies political science and criminal justice.

Honors & Awards

  • TRIALS Program Scholar (Training and Recruitment Initiative for Admission to Leading Law School) in partnership with Harvard Law School and NYU School of Law
  • 2023 University of Louisville Homecoming Queen
  • University of Louisville Woodford R. Porter Scholar
  • University of Louisville Honors Program
  • University of Louisville Dean’s Scholar (Fall 2020, 2021, 2022; Spring 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • 2023 ACC Leadership Conference, UofL Delegate
  • University of Louisville President’s Council Mentorship Program
  • 2022 SGA Staff Member of the Year

Campus & Extracurricular Involvement

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair, McConnell Scholars Council (2022-current)
  • Chief of External Affairs, Student Government Association (2023-current)
  • President, Society of Porter Scholars (2023-current)
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
  • Hostess, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (2023-current)
  • Uplifting Our Local Community Chair, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (2023- current)
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Student Government Association (2022-23)
  • Assistant to the Executive Vice President, Student Government Association (2021-22)
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Student Government Association (2021-2023)
  • Student Climate Survey Review, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee (2021)
  • Secretary and Financial Officer, Society of Porter Scholars (2022-23)
  • Vice President, Black and Brown Honors Society (2022-23)
  • University of Louisville Black and Brown Honors Society (2020-current)
  • Task Force Freshman Mentor (2021-22)
  • Task Force Freshmen, Equality and Justice Committee (2020-21)
  • Thrivals LOU 2021 Executive Board (2020)
  • UofL Medical School Health Disparities Content Creation Team (2020)

Internship & Work Experience

  • Undergraduate Intern, Goldberg Simpson LLC
  • KY State Legislature Frankfort Internship for Senator David

Community Service

  • Undergraduate Intern, Goldberg Simpson LLC
  • KY State Legislature Frankfort Internship for Senator David
  • Hope Buss, Volunteer
  • Disability Resource Center Notetaker
  • KY Democratic Senate Election Volunteer
  • YMCA, Kids Club Volunteer
  • University of Louisville Raise Red Dancer
  • University of Louisville Cardinal Cupboard Volunteer
  • Cincinnati Public Schools Legal Department, Volunteer
  • Project Warm Team Leader

High School

Paighton is a graduate of Campbell County High School, where she served as secretary of the Beta Honors Society, was a member of the Principals' Advisory Council and National Honors Society and was an award-winning varsity cheerleader. She was a state and regional award-winning member of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America, serving as regional vice president of community service and first vice president of the local chapter. She was also part of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Regional Youth Leadership Class. Paighton, the daughter of Stephanie Scott and Malcolm Brooks, was a 2019 Kentucky Governor's Scholar.

Receiving the McConnell Scholarship will allow me to meet and learn from incredible people while being in the community with other leadership-driven students. I can't wait to see how the program serves as a catalyst for personal growth and all the opportunities it will bring.