Meet the Founder
A 26-year-old native of Flint, MI, Julian R. Sanders is a true believer, having grown up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor focus in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Grand Rapids, MI, graduating in December of 2021. He began his journey at GVSU in the fall of 2019 as a transfer student from Mott Community College and Jackson College in Jackson, M
During his time at Grand Valley, Julian served as an Emcee for their 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration program and was the featured student speaker for the event. He also served on campus in various leadership capacities, including working as an intern in the Office of Inclusion and Equity and as a Student Ambassador to the Office of the University President. He was elected to the GVSU Student Senate and appointed as a student representative to GVSU’s Student Action Team and Racial Equity group. A member of GVUS’s Law Society, a fellow candidate in GVSU’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies Cook Leadership Academy, and he served as a peer mentor for high school students who participated in the University’s REP4 initiative. Julian was also a member of the Army ROTC program and was nominated Vice President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member during his last semester. Julian was also chosen to be featured on GVSU’s marketing campaign billboards, a state-wide recruiting initiative led by the campus marketing and communications department.
In the Summer of 2021, Julian decided to broaden his talents and gain experience in our nation’s capital. With the backing and financial support of GVSU, Julian accepted an internship through The Washington Center in Washington D.C., where he served as a Government Relations intern at a Federal Grant and Government Relations Consulting Firm in Washington D.C., which helped finalize his decision to engage in the field of politics and law. During this time, Julian was tasked with analyzing President Biden’s FY22 budget, creating various memos, researching, reviewing federal grants, and assisting in the preparations of congressional meetings.
After graduating from GVSU, Julian worked for three years in the Office of U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Washington D.C. as a law clerk for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He served in his community and obtained hands-on experience in law, federal government relations, and public policy work while learning and understanding the needs of communities across Michigan. Julian is a full-time student, completing a J.D./MBA dual degree from Michigan State University College of Law and Broad College of Business.
Julian currently serves his community in various organizations that require volunteer efforts for community service, including:
Black Law Student Association (BLSA)
Member
Business and Law Association
President (Elected Spring 2024)
The Council on Graduate Students
Parliamentarian (Appointed Fall 2204)
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International
Member
The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
Advisory Board Member
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Ford Leadership Forum Fellow
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Member
Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes
Associate Leadership Board Member (former)
With humility and gratitude, Julian is passionate about ensuring people from all walks of life enter a space where their voices are heard and feel seen, experiencing a sense of belonging. He plans to continue creating opportunities for a clear pathway for all people to fulfill their dreams, with a solid place in society to prosper.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6
Opinion | Campus protests, young people and the importance of the First Amendment. By: Julian R. Sanders
Establishing safe spaces for community members to gather and discuss opposing perspectives and allowing opportunities for average citizens to propose and work on solutions together is no easy task, but it is vital and takes strong proactive commitment.
1L Moot Court Competition Highlights Students’ Oral Advocacy Skills
Julian Sanders (’26) won First Place in the 1L Final Oral Argument 2024 this week for his freedom of the press argument in support of a newspaper reporter in the MSU Law moot court competition.
Julian Sanders graduated from Grand Valley State University having kept a promise to his grandmother by persevering through the unique adversity he and his peers have faced as they completed their degree.
Image Credit: Amanda Pitts
Julian Sanders, along with three other GVSU students intern in Washington D.C. through the Washington Center.
Julian Sanders featured in an Associated Press article discussing GVSU and Colleges forming an alliance to support student-designed learning.
Image Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
REP4: National alliance of institutions, convened by GVSU, puts learners at the forefront of designing paths to transform education.
Julian Sanders, REP4 Mentor helps student.
Image Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
When he considers his high school experience, Julian Sanders thinks having a concept such as REP4 in place would have helped spur his motivation for education at an even earlier age.
Image Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
Julian Sanders serves as Emcee for Grand Valley State University virtual 35th Annual Rev Dr. Matin Luther King Jr. 2021 Commemoration program. White House Correspondent delivers keynote address to the community with hopes to move forward.
Image Credit: Valerie Hendrickson
Julian Sanders partners with GVSU student to advocate for course credit on behalf of military students. This resolution was passed and gave those participating in ROTC a great opportunity to stay on track with their degree plan.
Image Credit: Sarah Anderson