Cynthia earned her B.A. from Florida A&M University and graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1999. She went on to serve in a number of positions throughout her distinguished legal career: as a Law Clerk at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Assistant City Attorney at the City of Hialeah, Assistant Regional Counsel at the State of Florida Civil Regional Counsel’s Office, Associate Director of Career and Professional Development at NSU Shepard Broad Law Center, and finally Associate Director of Career Services at University of Miami School of Law.
Cynthia devoted her entire career to fostering diversity and inclusion. In her daily work whether in the private or public sector, Cynthia was passionate about ensuring equal access for all in the legal industry. In her work on the important law school platforms, she successfully ensured that diverse students had equal opportunity and access to legal internships, and ultimately, to employment options, designed to enhance the practice of law in Florida and beyond. She created an environment that helped eliminate barriers to diversity and inclusion, promoting full contribution and participation by all in the profession.
During her tenure as President of GSCBWLA, Cynthia re-doubled her efforts to make an impact on the community. On September 18, 2015, she launched a national symposium on the School to Prison Pipeline, held at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center. The program sought to help inform and organize stakeholders in government, law, and education in order to ameliorate the undue criminalization of children of color. Cynthia’s efforts raised significant awareness surrounding this pervasive issue, and in 2015, she was recognized by the Florida Bar Yong Lawyers Division for her efforts when they presented her with the YLD Diversity Award.
Personally, Cynthia mentored and inspired many young Black women, encouraging their success in the legal profession and beyond. She spent hundreds of hours counseling prospective college and law students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels about what it means to practice law and the importance of having diverse perspectives as part of our legal processes. One such instance was documented in an article by WSVN Miami, recounting how a young woman’s chance encounter with Cynthia served as inspiration for her future law career. >> Raising the Bar: Young girl reunites with stranger who inspired her.
Today, Cynthia’s legacy lives on through her loving family, friends, and the countless young lawyers who can readily recount the profound impact she has had on their lives.
Condolences may be sent to: The Duval Family, 720 NW 37th Street, Oakland Park, FL 33309. In lieu of flowers, the family invites the community of those who loved Cynthia Henry Duval, Esq., to donate in her memory to the University of Miami Health System Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center or another charity of their choice.
From the Family of Cynthia Henry Duval, Esq.:
Thank you to our village – extended family and friends – for your unwavering support, prayers, condolences and kind expressions of love during our time of great loss.
Join us as we celebrate the life and homegoing of our beloved, Cynthia Henry Duval. Cynthia had energy, passion and presence like no other!
WHEN: Friday, August 14th
WHERE: Nakia Ingraham Funeral Home, 6701 Pembroke Rd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
VIEWING: 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Social Distancing Protocols, including Masks, Will Be Required
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, the service set for Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am ET will be for immediate family only. The funeral home will provide other outlets to attend the service via Zoom. Those details will be provided as soon as they become available.
