Ida is driven by a desire to advocate for victims of war crimes and bring justice to those who have suffered.

Born and raised in Poland, Ida Braakenburg is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice at UM-Dearborn. Her early experiences, particularly a visit to Auschwitz with her grandparents who survived the Holocaust, left a deep impression on her and fueled her passion for justice. Ida is driven by a desire to advocate for victims of war crimes and bring justice to those who have suffered.

When she first entered college, Ida majored in psychology as she was interested in traumatic brain injuries and their effects on memory and behavior. However, personal challenges led her to take a break from her studies, during which she began working in a private law office. Unexpectedly, she discovered a love for the legal field. After working as a legal clerk for over ten years, Ida has developed a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. This work has also heightened her awareness of the disparities within the criminal justice system, particularly regarding how defendants are treated based on ethnicity, race, and gender. Ida is passionate about advocating for those with mental health and substance abuse issues who are often overlooked by the court system.

In 2023, Ida returned to college for her bachelor’s degree with plans to attend law school afterward. She is currently researching the use of objective personality tests in child custody evaluations and advocating for more standardized, evidence-based assessments in the family court system. Ida has been recognized on the Dean’s List, and she is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her ultimate ambition is to impact international humanitarian law, working in an embassy or consulate to protect human rights and bring war criminals to justice.

CEW+ celebrates Ida’s persistence and names her the Lucile B. Conger Alumnae Group Scholar.