Founder and Executive Director - Erin Brinkman
From Early Activism to Legal Foundations
A native of Southern California, founder Erin Brinkman began her social justice journey after the LA riots. She developed an early awareness of inequality and systemic harm.
At Harvard University, she graduated magna cum laude in Government with a Special Citation in Spanish. Additionally, she taught civics to middle school students in underserved communities through the Phillips Brooks House Association. As a result, she recognized the power of education to expand opportunity. This experience also ignited her passion for tutoring and mentoring.
Next, she moved to North Carolina to attend law school at the University of North Carolina. This decision marked a turning point in her path. During law school, she completed more than 300 pro bono hours with innocence projects, civil rights organizations, and public defense initiatives. Moreover, she served as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for abused and neglected children in court.
After graduation, Erin practiced law in Southern California and later served as Director of Public Affairs for AT&T in Sacramento. Her legal work focused on school choice and disability law. In addition, she submitted an amicus brief supporting equitable access to education for underserved students.
Building Reform Through Advocacy, Education, and Project Pathfinder
In 2016, Erin founded Pursuit of Justice. She focuses on post-conviction relief, appeals, and resentencing work for incarcerated clients. Consequently, she represents individuals impacted by systemic barriers and limited resources.
Through this work, she has observed how trauma, poverty, and lack of opportunity fueled cycles of generational incarceration. As a result, she has expanded her focus toward prevention and youth support.
After moving to Wilmington in 2019, Erin launched Project Pathfinder in 2026. This nonprofit provides tutoring and mentoring to juvenile offenders in helping them gain access to higher education. The nonprofit’s mission is to support these students in finding their own paths, breaking the cycle of generational incarceration and helping them to become leaders and contributing members of society.
Erin is also excited to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Law at The University of North Carolina Law School, where she will teach a criminal justice law seminar in the Fall.