Welcome Darlene Lynch

Darlene Lynch joins Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice as our new Legal & Policy Director. With extensive expertise and unwavering dedication, Darlene will oversee our housing and school justice programs and policy initiatives, furthering our mission to advocate for systemic change and social justice in Georgia.

A Distinguished Career in Social Justice

Darlene Lynch is a highly respected public policy expert and lawyer, with over 25 years of experience in social justice and economic empowerment at the state, federal, and international levels. Her career is a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through legal advocacy and policy reform.

Before joining Georgia Appleseed, Darlene was the head of external relations for the Center for Victims of Torture Georgia. In this role, she spearheaded advocacy efforts to expand access to education, employment, and health care for Georgia’s refugees and immigrants. She led the award-winning Business & Immigrant for Georgia (BIG) Partnership and other statewide coalitions, making significant strides in the integration and empowerment of immigrant communities.

Global Advocacy and Child Protection

Darlene’s dedication to social justice extends beyond national borders. She led the U.N. advocacy office for the global nonprofit ECPAT International in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on access to justice for child survivors of human trafficking. Her efforts in this role have had a lasting impact on the global fight against child exploitation.

In Georgia, Darlene has been a steadfast advocate for children’s rights. She served as a staff attorney at Emory’s Barton Child Law and Policy Center, where she worked tirelessly to advance the welfare and rights of children across the state.

Educator and Mentor

Darlene’s passion for justice is matched by her commitment to education. She has taught law and advocacy at prestigious institutions including Emory, Harvard, and Boston University law schools. Her influence as an educator has shaped the minds of future legal advocates and policy makers.

Commitment to Community Service

Beyond her professional achievements, Darlene is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth, provides pro bono legal services to immigrant victims of violence, and has served as a member of Georgia’s Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force.

Looking Ahead

Darlene holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Georgia Appleseed. Her leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving forward our housing and school justice programs, ensuring that we continue to make meaningful progress in our fight for equity and justice for children across Georgia.

We are excited to welcome Darlene Lynch to the Georgia Appleseed family and look forward to the incredible work we will accomplish together under her guidance.