Tag Archives: black women

The Patent Pathways™ program has been instrumental in paving the way for its aspiring patent law professionals. One such individual is Ashley-Marie Sutherland, a former participant whose journey through the program has led her to a promising new career as a patent examiner.

Ashley-Marie shares her experiences in this year’s Patent Pathways™ Opening Session, featured below:

Ashley-Marie’s impressive academic background includes a Bachelor of Sciences in Biomedical Science, a Master’s in Public Health, and a law degree with a concentration in Intellectual Property Law. As a first-generation law student, she was on the lookout for opportunities that offered hands-on training, mentorship, and interactive learning to enhance her knowledge and skills. Her search led her to the Patent Pathways™ program.

The program appealed to Ashley-Marie for several reasons. As an African-American first-generation law student, she was seeking support and guidance. She found this in the Patent Pathways program, which not only offered resources in her chosen field of patent law but also had a strong commitment to diversity, something that resonated deeply with her.

The Patent Pathways program provided Ashley-Marie with the support she needed during her journey. From interview preparation to patent bar prep, the program was there every step of the way. The sense of community within the program was another crucial aspect, with Ashley-Marie forming strong bonds with her peers and mentors. This network provided her with a safe space to ask questions and seek advice, which was invaluable to her learning process.

One of the most significant benefits of the program was the exposure to job opportunities. The program regularly sent out job postings, keeping participants informed about potential career paths. When the patent examiner opportunity was presented, Ashley-Marie seized it. Despite the interview process being different from what she had prepared for, the program was there to support her, helping her navigate the unfamiliar terrain of government job applications.

The Patent Pathways program continues to pave the way for aspiring patent law professionals, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. As Ashley-Marie’s journey demonstrates, the program is more than just an educational resource; it’s a community that nurtures growth and fosters success in the field of patent law.

Sound like something you are interested in? We’re now accepting applications for our June-November 2023 and January-May 2024 Patent Pathways™ Rotations. 
APPLY NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

We can’t do this program alone! Want to get involved? Check out these useful links:

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR