Elizabeth
Rhonna-Rose
Akama-Makia
Pre-Law · Immigration Law · Detroit, Michigan
Education
University of Michigan–Flint
Bachelor of Business Administration · Expected May 2026
Dean's List — Fall 2025 aPHRi CertifiedTraining & Activities
aPHRi — Associate Professional in Human Resources (International)
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) · Certified
Professional certification demonstrating foundational knowledge of U.S. and international employment law, compliance, and workplace regulations — with direct application to employment-based immigration, labor certification, and organizational sponsorship structures.
Paralegal Certificate Course
Center for Legal Studies (CLS by BARBRI) · In Progress · Est. Completion June 2026
14-week paralegal certificate program covering legal terminology, civil procedure, ethics, torts, contracts, legal documents and analysis, discovery, evidence, legal research and writing, citation format, appellate procedure, Westlaw research, and law office administration. Includes interoffice memo writing and an appellate brief assignment.
Deportation Defense Training Program
National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG) · 2025–Present
Comprehensive 40-hour training program on removal defense strategies, asylum law, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture protections, and representing detained immigrants in bond hearings.
Skills
Legal Research
Case Management Systems
Client Interviewing
Confidential File Management
Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance
aPHRi Certified
Deportation Defense
SIJS Casework
I-130 Petitions
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Westlaw
Employment Law Compliance
Interests
Employment-Based Immigration
Immigration Policy Reform
Restorative Justice
African Diaspora Economic Development
Deportation Defense
SIJS & Humanitarian Immigration
Experience
Nigerian Center
Mar 2026 – Present
Volunteer Legal Services · Immigration Clinic · Remote
- Support active immigration cases through document preparation, legal research, case tracking, and administrative assistance.
- Assist with new client intake including eligibility screening and appointment scheduling.
- Conduct community outreach to build awareness of immigration rights in underserved communities and expand reach through promotion of clinic events and legal services.
Blumenau Law, PLLC
Jan 2026 – Present
Paralegal · Internship · Michigan, Hybrid
- Assist with 15+ family-based immigration cases including I-130 petitions, adjustment of status applications (I-485), and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases for unaccompanied minors.
- Conduct legal research on immigration law and policy changes; draft memoranda and prepare case files for deportation defense proceedings before Immigration Court.
- Interview clients in English and through interpreters; gather supporting evidence and documentation; track filing deadlines across multiple jurisdictions.
Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
Jan 2026 – Present
Volunteer – File Management · Detroit, On-site
- Maintain physical file systems for 50+ immigration cases using barcode tracking and case management protocols; ensure compliance with Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Prepare closed case files for long-term storage including document verification, file organization, and barcode creation for retrieval systems.
- Support legal staff by organizing case documentation including retainers, case summaries, USCIS receipts, and evidence copies according to professional filing standards.
Global African Business Association
Jan 2025 – Present
President of The Foundation · Detroit, Michigan
- Lead organization providing workforce development and immigration documentation assistance to 300+ African and Caribbean immigrant families annually; distributed $5,000 in direct community support in 2025.
- Established formal relationships with government representatives from 5 African nations to strengthen cross-border talent mobility and workforce pathways.
- Advocate for policy changes removing barriers to work authorization and business development; built partnerships with 12 organizations across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.
Mothering Justice
Sep 2024 – Present
People and Culture Manager · Detroit, Michigan
- Conduct workplace investigations involving 250+ employees and volunteers across 12 states; advise executive leadership on policy development, multi-state employment law compliance (FMLA, wage-hour, classification), and organizational strategy.
- Design restorative justice and accountability frameworks emphasizing alternative dispute resolution; partner with external legal counsel on sensitive personnel matters requiring confidential handling.
Democratic National Committee
Feb 2020 – Sep 2024
Campaign Manager · Multi-State
- Managed operations for 9 federal, gubernatorial, state legislative, and judicial campaigns collectively raising over $10 million; oversaw recruitment and training of 200+ staff members and volunteers.
- Ensured compliance with election law, campaign finance regulations, and FEC reporting requirements; coordinated with legal counsel on compliance matters.
Arkansas United Community Coalition
Aug 2012 – Dec 2020
Change Agent · Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Community organizer for Arkansas's first statewide immigrant advocacy coalition serving 800+ members across 25+ counties.
- Developed and delivered Know Your Rights presentations to immigrant workers and families; connected community members with immigration attorneys and legal service providers.
- Built bridges between immigrant communities and local, state, and federal public officials; closed service gaps in adult education, workforce development, healthcare access, and legal services.
Just Communities of Arkansas
Jun 2010 – Jun 2016
Program Director · Little Rock, Arkansas
- Directed statewide leadership development and workforce readiness programs reaching 5,000+ participants annually; managed program budgets and evaluation systems.
- Built cross-sector partnerships with schools, employers, and civic institutions to advance educational and employment opportunities for underrepresented communities.