Dakota Stennett-Neris (she/her) is a graduate of Cornell University, where she earned a B.A. with a double major in Biology & Society and Government, and a double minor in Inequality Studies and Law & Society. Dakota founded the Cornell University Parole Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals through their parole hearings by preparing advocacy packets, conducting interview coaching, and assisting with Article 78 appeals.
Following graduation, Dakota served as a Public Benefits Legal Advocate at The Bronx Defenders. In this role, she collaborated with attorneys, social workers, and advocates to support clients navigating the criminal, civil, immigration, and family court systems. She provided comprehensive public benefits assistance—including preparing applications and advocating with state agencies for access to essential services—and consulted with attorneys to strengthen legal strategies across practice areas.
Dakota is deeply committed to addressing systemic injustice through interdisciplinary approaches and holistic legal advocacy.