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As a judge in Dallas County (Texas) Criminal Court, Shequitta Kelly, '03, knows the challenges facing Dallas youth.

In 2016, a year after being elected, the IU McKinney School of Law alumna joined with three other Dallas County judges to create Pipeline to Possibilities, an effort to change the “pipeline to prison” narrative of the American criminal justice system.

“Recently, harsher disciplinary actions of the school systems are mirroring the punishment of the criminal justice system,” Judge Kelly says. “Studies show that if an individual does not graduate from high school they are more likely to enter into the criminal justice system. The four of us united with a common goal to design a program that would create the change we desired to see; less young offenders standing before us in court.”

Pipeline to Possibilities educates youth on aspects of the justice system, with the goal of inspiring young people to become leaders in society. So far, approximately 300 students have successfully completed the program, and Judge Kelly anticipates asking Texas legislators to include a version of Pipeline to Possibilities in the Texas school curriculum, with hopes that other states will follow. 

“This program is important to me because I know that there are many young students who come from rocky foundations without the tools to succeed,” Judge Kelly says. “Most would be more likely to make better choices if they were equipped to do so. I’m hoping through Pipeline to Possibilities, we can not only change lives, but also plant seeds that change our school system, criminal justice system, and the world.”

Originally from Michigan City, Indiana, Judge Kelly graduated from Indiana University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. After earning a J.D. degree from IU McKinney, Judge Kelly joined the Allen County Prosecutor’s office in Fort Wayne, where she served as Felony Domestic Violence Intake Prosecutor for more than six years. Her experience led her to Dallas, where she received her Texas law license and joined the Dallas County District Attorneys’ office. After six years of prosecuting child abuse cases, Kelly pursued her judicial aspirations.

In addition to Pipeline to Possibilities, Judge Kelly also developed Intercepted, a domestic violence offender program designed for first-time young offenders that provides interventions including mental health and substance abuse treatment. Each month, Judge Kelly also hosts an event called Curls, Clippers and Conversations, which is geared towards educating hair industry workers on the criminal justice system.