Yearly Archives: 2026

Celebrating Sabrina Contreras: Patent Bar Success

Patent Pathways® is proud to celebrate our June 2025 participant Sabrina Contreras, who has officially passed the patent bar exam. Sabrina’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets access, mentorship, and a strong support system.

Sabrina earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and is now actively pursuing opportunities as a patent agent. Like many aspiring patent professionals, her path wasn’t always easy, but through the encouragement and empowerment of the Patent Pathways® community, she’s taken the next big step in a promising patent career.

In reflection, Sabrina shared:

“I am incredibly grateful for my experience with Patent Pathways® and for all of the mentors I met through the program. Being part of such an uplifting community that encourages and celebrates us, while also providing the resources to excel on the patent bar, is truly special. The journey was not always smooth, but having the support system Patent Pathways® provided made a huge difference and helped motivate me to keep going, even during moments when I wanted to give up.”

At Patent Pathways®, we know that success with the patent bar takes more than just studying. The process can be a long one, and takes encouragement, guidance, and access to the right resources at the right time. Sabrina’s achievement reflects her resilience and hard work, as well as the impact of a community committed to breaking barriers and opening doors into patent law.

We are excited to see what’s next for her and look forward to supporting her as she continues building her career as a patent agent. Congratulations, Sabrina!

If you’d like to help make a difference in someone’s patent career journey, visit patentpathways.org and volunteer today.

Shilpi Verghese Passes the Patent Bar – A Milestone on Her Pathway into Patent Law

We’re thrilled to celebrate the exciting achievement of one of our Patent Pathways® participants, Shilpi Verghese, who has passed the patent bar exam!

Shilpi’s journey into patent law is rooted in a strong academic and scientific background. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Dayton, as well as a MSc in Biotechnology from BIMR & College of Life Sciences (India) and a BSc in Biotechnology from Loyola Academy (India). Currently, she applies her expertise as an Associate Scientist in the Department of Biology at Emory University.

Transitioning from a research role to a future in patent law is no small feat. But with dedication, strategic preparation, and the right support system, Shilpi is taking bold steps to make it a reality. She credits the Patent Pathways® program for playing a key role in this transformation.

“Patent Pathways played a critical role in my journey to passing the patent bar by providing structured guidance, mentorship, and a supportive community. As a scientist transitioning into intellectual property, the program helped me understand not just the exam, but the profession itself. I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and resources that helped make this milestone possible. I’m truly grateful for the support and excited for what lies ahead.”

We are incredibly proud of Shilpi’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to breaking barriers in the patent field. Her success is a testament to why we do this program, the power of opportunity, and the impact of a supportive community.

Congratulations, Shilpi — we can’t wait to see the contributions you’ll make in the world of patent law!

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.

We are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone for one of our outstanding Patent Pathways® alumni: Melissa B. White has officially passed the patent bar and is now a Registered Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)!

Melissa is a proud graduate of Oakwood University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a practicing licensed attorney in the State of Georgia and is actively seeking opportunities to grow her career as a patent attorney.

Throughout her journey, Melissa has remained passionate about encouraging others to explore careers in patent law and the legal profession more broadly. She continues to give back by supporting and uplifting aspiring professionals in the field.

Reflecting on her experience, Melissa shared:

“My participation in Patent Pathways was and continues to be an invaluable experience. The program agenda covered many aspects of the patent profession in a way that was informative and encouraging. It is not hard to identify the most impactful feature of the program. Interacting with the founders, presenters, mentors, and fellow cohorts of the program across multiple formats is its core strength. The professional relationships cultivated during the program remain and industry relationships continue to develop. I am grateful to Patent Pathways’ invaluable mentorship and support, which significantly contributed to my journey to Patent Bar success.”

Melissa’s success is a reminder of what can happen when opportunity, preparation, and perseverance meet. At Patent Pathways®, we are honored to be a part of her journey and can’t wait to see where her career takes her next.

Congratulations, Melissa! Your story is an inspiration to all those seeking to break into the patent profession.

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.