Coming from ACLU where she was policy counsel, Dianna Houenou joined the governor’s office this week to handle criminal justice and related issues for Gov. Phil Murphy.

Originally from North Carolina, Houenou serveed as Policy Counsel for the ACLU of New Jersey. In that role, she conducted legal and policy analysis related to the ACLU-NJ’s advocacy campaigns and coordinated ACLU-NJ coalitions, particularly the New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform coalition. She was also responsible for organizing public engagement events, including lobbying, facilitating know-your-rights trainings, and public hearings.

While attending UNC School of Law, Houenou was an active member of the Broun National Trial Team, Black Law Students Association, and Education Law and Policy Society. She also participated in the Youth Justice Clinic, where she defended youth in delinquency and disciplinary proceedings in juvenile courts. She has interned with UNC Center for Civil Rights, BPI Chicago, and North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Before joining the ACLU-NJ, Houenou worked as a jury consultant assistant and a volunteer attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative.