Category Archives: Participant Stories

Raenetta Ellison, a participant in the Patent Pathways program, has shared her unique journey in a recent video. With a background in law and science, Raenetta was seeking a way to integrate these two fields. The Patent Pathways program provided her with the perfect opportunity to do so.

After being admitted to the bar in 2019, Raenetta found herself contemplating how to merge her science background with her law degree. Initially, she had pursued law school to enhance her writing and critical thinking skills, unsure if she wanted to practice law as she was working as a policy analyst at the time.

However, her law school journey introduced her to the fields of Food and Drug law and pharmaceutical patent law. These courses sparked her interest and led her to consider how she could integrate her science background into law. This reflection led her back to patent law, prompting her to delve deeper into the field.

In 2020, Raenetta began attending webinars and joined two bar associations focused on intellectual property and patent law. It was during this time that she discovered the Patent Pathways program. Intrigued, she applied and was accepted into the program.

The Patent Pathways program provided Raenetta with a comprehensive and detailed view of patent law. She said, “It’s done a great job of giving me a very broad view and also a very detailed view of what’s entailed in patent law.”

Raenetta’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the Patent Pathways program. It highlights the program’s ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of patent law, making it an ideal platform for individuals seeking to integrate their diverse backgrounds into the field.

Raenetta’s positive experience speaks volumes about the program’s value. Her story serves as an inspiration for others, especially those with backgrounds in law and science, to explore the opportunities that patent law offers. Her journey underscores the program’s potential to facilitate career transitions and open up new pathways in the patent field.

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

Aliya Kingwood, a participant in the 2022 Patent Pathways program, has shared her transformative experience in a recent video. A graduate with a technical background, Aliya was unsure of her career path until she discovered the Patent Pathways program. The program, she says, has not only provided her with a clear career direction but also a sense of purpose and a network of supportive professionals.

Aliya’s journey began when she learned about the Patent Pathways program through a patent basics course offered at her school. At the time, she was in between jobs and unsure about her future. The program seemed like a promising opportunity, so she decided to take the leap.

The Patent Pathways program provided Aliya with a mentor and an online course to prepare her for the patent bar exam. The program covered the cost of the course and the registration for the patent bar exam. Additionally, it facilitated interviews with multiple law firms, leading to an offer from one.

Now a technical specialist, Aliya is set to take her bar exam next month. She expressed her gratitude for the program, stating, “This whole process has really allowed me to hone in on a particular field with my degree, and I’m forever grateful.”

The program has not only given Aliya a career path but also a stable income, which she believes will open up many opportunities in her life. She also appreciates the network of professionals she has gained access to, stating, “I have a network full of people that I can use and call on when I need.”

Aliya also touched on the impact of her career on her family, particularly her child. She believes that her journey will positively influence her child and inspire others to explore the patent field.

In her closing remarks, Aliya emphasized the need for more awareness about the patent field. She believes that increased knowledge about the field would lead to greater inclusion. She said, “I feel like this field is so undervalued or not too many people know about it, and I feel like if more people knew about it, then I’m pretty sure you will see more inclusion in the field.”

Aliya’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Patent Pathways program. It’s a shining example of how the right guidance and opportunities can help individuals find their path and contribute to a more inclusive patent field.

“Going through this program gave me just enough information and confidence to believe that I can be successful in this field and move forward in it.”

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

LaToya Holmes, a participant in the 2022 Patent Pathways program, has shared her enriching journey in a recent video. With a background in computer science and over 20 years of experience in systems and test engineering, LaToya was looking for a career transition that would allow her to work remotely while leveraging her technical expertise. The Patent Pathways program provided her with the perfect opportunity.

LaToya’s journey into the Patent Pathways program began when a cousin informed her about the program. The program’s aim to sponsor 20 women to take the patent bar exam resonated with LaToya, who was contemplating her next career move after two decades in the defense subcontracting industry.

Upon acceptance into the program, LaToya embarked on a summer-long training to prepare for the patent bar exam. The program paired her with two mentors who guided her through the training and helped her with assignments.

The program also facilitated interviews with law firms that matched her background. Each participant in the program was paired with different law firms for interviews. The firms then offered positions based on their needs and the participant’s suitability.

LaToya was paired with a law firm based in San Diego, California. She describes the experience as “perfect” and speaks highly of her time with the firm, which included a week-long stay at their beachside office during the holiday season.

Reflecting on her experience, LaToya said, “It’s been a great experience ever since… it’s been an excellent experience since.” She also spoke about the program’s impact on her career transition, stating, “When I heard about Patent Pathways, it was the perfect transition opportunity for me.”

In her closing remarks, LaToya encouraged others to consider the patent field, especially those with a technical or science background. She emphasized that the field is a great option for career professionals looking for a transition, even if they choose to do so later in their careers.

She said, “I would definitely, if I was you, look into the field… it’s a wonderful field. If you’re a techie, science background, definitely something I would recommend you looking into.”

LaToya’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Patent Pathways program. It highlights the program’s ability to facilitate career transitions, provide mentorship, and open up opportunities in the patent field. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others, especially women in tech, to explore the opportunities that patent law offers.

And, she adds, “If you don’t want to do it right away, you can be a career professional, like me, and transition into it later!”

Hear what she had to say below:

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

Michelle Flowers, a participant in the 2022 Patent Pathways program, has shared her inspiring journey in a recent video. With a background in civil engineering and a decade-long career in contract compliance for renewable energy developers, Michelle was introduced to the Patent Pathways program by a friend. This introduction marked the beginning of a transformative journey that has reshaped her career aspirations.

Michelle’s career has always been intertwined with the technical world. She works with renewable energy developers, designing wind, solar, and storage farms, and prepares the necessary reports and contracts for connecting these farms to transmission lines. This experience, she believes, aligns well with the requirements of the Patent Pathways program.

The opportunity to join the Patent Pathways program came unexpectedly. A friend, aware of Michelle’s engineering background, recommended the program. Intrigued, Michelle signed up and was soon accepted after a couple of interviews. She recalls her surprise at the swift process, saying, “I thought this was going to be like a year from now, but I just figured, why not? What do I have to lose?”

Interestingly, this wasn’t Michelle’s first encounter with patent law. As a freshman in college, she had an idea she wanted to patent but found the process complicated. When the opportunity to join the Patent Pathways program presented itself, it was the third time patent law had crossed her path, prompting her to pay attention.

Throughout the program, Michelle has been supported by two mentors who have encouraged her during moments of doubt. She admits there were times when she questioned her decision to switch careers and start from scratch. However, the encouragement from her mentors and her determination to fully commit to this new path have kept her going.

Michelle’s journey has now led her to consider law school, a decision influenced by her experience in the Patent Pathways program. She believes that patent law is a great fit for her and is eager to continue her journey in this field.

In her closing remarks, Michelle emphasized the impact of the program on her confidence and belief in her ability to succeed in the patent law field. She said, “Going through this program gave me just enough information and confidence to believe that I can be successful in this field and move forward in it.”

Michelle’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Patent Pathways program. It highlights the program’s ability to open up new career paths and instill confidence in participants, enabling them to envision and pursue new career goals. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others, especially women in engineering, to explore the opportunities that patent law offers.

Hear what she had to say below:

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