Toni Newell (‘99) is living proof that a U-M liberal arts and sciences degree will take you anywhere. She credits that it was her LSA degree that taught her how to think, and not what to think, a skill that has led to her success across a variety of fields. She attended Michigan to study Film and Video Studies and worked in television shortly after graduating. While thriving in the television industry, Toni realized she could do more than the Silver Screen and made the decision to go back to law school. After graduating, she accepted a position at Varnum LLP where she gained experience working in a variety of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contracting, and banking compliance. Despite a successful career in law, she again flipped the ‘the script’ of her professional career in early 2020 when she pivoted her direction towards the nonprofit sector by joining Catholic Charities. From film to law to nonprofits, Toni highlights the flexibility that an LSA degree can offer, and is now coming back to campus to share her hard-earned wisdom and life lessons with current LSA students.

About Toni:

Toni currently serves as Interim Executive Director of Catholic Charities’ Diocese of Kalamazoo. Toni is a native of Michigan, growing up in the small town of Hopkins. She graduated from the University of Michigan in December 1999, receiving a B.A., with distinction, in Film and Video Studies (now known as Film, Television, and Media). While at Michigan, she participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Prior to attending law school, Toni worked at WXMI-Fox 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, first as a master control operator and then as an account executive. In May 2001, Toni moved to Washington, DC, to work in the legislative office of Senator Debbie Stabenow. In August 2002, Toni began law school at Notre Dame Law School, graduating in May 2005. She had internships both summers of law school, working for Legal Aid of Western Michigan and the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney. Upon graduation, Toni worked as a law clerk for the Honorable George Corsiglia in the Allegan County Circuit Court. She then worked as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of Western Michigan prior to her time at Varnum where she worked her way up to partner. Toni left Varnum in 2020 to make the transition to Catholic Charities where she currently works.

You should attend this session if you are:
-A U-M undergraduate LSA student
-Interested in pursuing law school, nonprofit work, or careers in film & television
-Eager to learn how to pursue varying interests throughout your career

What you’ll gain by attending:
-Make a connection with a successful LSA alum ready to support you
-Get ideas for how to build a career when your path is not traditional
-Learn how to build your networking skills

RSVP NOW to be part of the conversation.

The Opportunity Hub aims to deliver inclusive and accessible experiences and welcomes all LSA students to participate. This event is on the 2nd floor of a wheelchair accessible building which includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the 2nd floor, a gender-inclusive and accessible restroom on the 2nd floor, places to sit or stand during the event, and accessible parking options nearby on Maynard Street. To request other accommodations please contact Sairah Husain at sairah@umich.edu or 734-763-4674 so we can make arrangements.