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Being first and
pursuing the extraordinary are standards Payne has set for
herself. Among her early accomplishments, Payne was the
first African-American female to be elected to the
homecoming court at St. John’s Jesuit High School. She was
crowned Miss Debutante by the Negro Business and
Professional Women’s Club in 1992 and graduated from Notre
Dame Academy with honors while being awarded 14 scholarships
to various universities.
After Notre Dame,
Payne entered Ohio University’s Honors College as a
Templeton Scholar. While in college, she was featured in
U.S.A. Today as a member of the United States Academic
Team. Only the top 60 college students in the country are
given consideration for this Team.
Graduating summa
cum laude in only three years from Ohio University, she was
awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1996, she was
awarded the Graduate Prize Fellowship to study at Harvard
University where she received a Master of Arts degree in the
History of Science.
After graduating
from Harvard, Payne received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from
Vanderbilt University Law School where she was the first
African American chosen to be the lead notes editor of
Vanderbilt’s Journal of Entertainment Law and Practice.
Payne also received an advanced diploma in history with
honors from Oxford University in 2003.
Shortly after Payne
completed her studies, she moved to Connecticut and worked
as an attorney at several law firms and corporations. She
has worked as an adjunct instructor of law at Northwestern
Connecticut Community College where she created and
implemented a landlord-tenant law course. She also works
part-time as a contract specialist at the University of
Connecticut Health Center where she negotiates contracts for
the clinical trials of investigational new drugs and
devices. In June 2011, the state of Connecticut Judicial
Branch appointed Cherron Payne to be a magistrate for small
claims and motor vehicle matters.
In July of 2011,
Payne was selected as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s
“Forty Under 40” which honors the top 40 professionals under
the age of 40. She was also honored by the Connecticut Law
Tribune as a “Lawyer of Color High Achiever.” In 2012, she
was elected to serve as vice president of the Connecticut
Magistrates Association.
Payne says,
“Service is also a priority in my life.” She has continues
to offer legal services throughout the Connecticut community
without charging those most in need. She is certified as a
domestic violence counselor and has volunteered at a women’s
shelter.
Payne has also been
engaged in the community as a dance teacher for West
Hartford Continuing Education, and is the founder of “Global
Motion” dance troupe. She plays viola for the Colchester
Civic Orchestra and volunteers on many boards and
organizations, such as Connecticut Community Boating, Inc.
and the Noah Webster House Museum.
There is new leadership on the horizon and The
African American Legacy Project’s Emerging Leader Award
serves as a mechanism to salute those who are both aspiring
and achieving.
Others to be honored this year are: Marcus
Sneed: a graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School and the
University of Toledo. Marcus currently serves as associate
director for the Office of Alumni Relations with the
University of Toledo Foundation. Faith A. Hairston:
after graduating from Libbey, Faith graduated from Bowling
Green State University. She is the manager of Kent Branch
library. Treva Jeffries: is a graduate of Jesup W.
Scott High School and is currently in her sixth year as
principal of her alma mater. Jeffries received her B.S. from
Kentucky State University and her M Ed. from Bowling Green
State University. Lionel Brock: earned his Bachelor
of Science in pharmacology/toxicology from the University of
Toledo and received his Masters from Walden University in
2010. He joined the Managed Wealth Financial team in the
autumn of 2011. Lionel currently serves as the president of
the University of Toledo Black Alumni Affiliate and
functions as a youth pastor and the Director of Outreach at
his church.
The African American Legacy Project will salute the
Emerging Leaders 5:30 pm, Friday, October 3, 2014 during a
reception at the Toledo Club. Payne is returning home to
receive her honor.
For tickets and information about The African
American Legacy Project’s Friday evening reception and the
Saturday Legend’s Luncheon call 419-720-4369. |
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