OUR STAFF

Danielle Allison

Chief Executive Officer

Danielle Allison is Chief Executive Officer of Ms. JD. She is a graduate of Florida State University and Harvard Law School.  Danielle clerked for then Chief Judge UW Clemon of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.  She spent six years working in the litigation group at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (now Eversheds Sutherland) in Atlanta, Georgia. Danielle was the founding chair of Sutherland "Women Stepping Up" philanthropy initiative, co-chair of the firm’s women attorneys group, and a member of the hiring committee.  She is a former American Bar Association, Business Law Section Fellow (2013-2015) and a former member of the State Bar of Georgia Committee to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Profession; Leadership Atlanta, LEAD Atlanta Class of 2012; Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Destiny Fund Class of 2009; Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Former Executive Board Member; and Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, Former Foundation Council Member.  Danielle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations (NCWBA) and as a Past President of the Junior League of Lee County, Alabama. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

Brianca Hurley

Program Director

Brianca Hurley is a seasoned operations leader with over a decade of experience driving organizational efficiency and implementing strategic initiatives. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President of Operations at the Juneteenth Foundation, where she managed revenue streams, strengthened partnerships, and implemented systems to enhance organizational impact. A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and boards, Brianca is known for fostering collaboration, driving key initiatives, and delivering results aligned with organizational goals.

Before her role at the Juneteenth Foundation, Brianca was Director of Operations at Burgher Gray LLP. There, she oversaw business operations, implemented effective financial procedures, and led cross-functional projects. Her expertise in executive support, project management, and strategic planning was instrumental in advancing organizational priorities and improving overall efficiency.

Brianca holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Seton Hall University and a Master's Degree in Psychology from Liberty University. She is a resourceful problem solver and innovative thinker, ready to make impactful contributions to Ms. JD.

Claire Thomas

Program Assistant

Claire Thomas is the program assistant at Ms. JD. She is passionate about building community and helping women find mentorship and support in their careers. Claire is a graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Anthropology and Russian Studies, and prior to joining Ms. JD she worked at Combined Jewish Philanthropies running leadership programs and supporting their volunteer network. She lives in Medford, Massachusetts.