HEAF is proud to announce Sydney Phillips, a recent graduate of The American University, as the recipient of the 2025 Alexandra Korry Scholarship.
The Alexandra Korry Scholarship was established in 2020 by HEAF to honor the extraordinary legacy of Alexandra Davern Korry, a trailblazing attorney, educator, and civil rights champion, whose unwavering commitment to bridging opportunity gaps for students from underserved communities was underscored by her service as HEAF’s chair of the board of directors during our critical formative years.
“Sydney Phillips exemplifies the values and spirit we look for in awarding the Alexandra Korry Scholarship—academic excellence, a deep commitment to civil rights, and a drive to help underserved communities,” said Robin Panovka, Alexandra Korry’s husband, partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and chair of the Alexandra Korry Scholarship Committee. “Sydney’s vision for justice and equity is inspiring. On behalf of the Committee, I’m proud to support Sydney on her journey.”
The award is granted to a HEAF college student who is pursuing a career in law, social justice, public service, or a related field, and who demonstrates academic excellence and a commitment to social justice and under-served communities on and off campus. The scholarship includes a stipend towards law school or graduate school.
2025 Recipient Sydney Phillips
Sydney Phillips is a recently graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Justice, Law, and Criminology. This fall, she will begin her Master’s studies in Human Rights at Columbia University.
As a first-generation daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Sydney has always been driven to pursue education with determination and resilience. Growing up in a marginalized community and experiencing the layered impacts of intersectionality have shaped her commitment to systemic change. She is passionate about the law because she believes in the fundamental principle that everyone deserves equal treatment and protection.
“Black women are disproportionately affected across all aspects of society, and I aspire to be a part of the movement toward equity and justice. Being selected as a recipient of the Alexandra Korry Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year is not only a tremendous honor but also a significant milestone on my journey to becoming the lawyer I strive to be,” said Sydney Phillips.
“This scholarship will ease the financial burden of higher education and allow me to carry forward the legacy of Alexandra Korry, whose dedication to civil rights aligns deeply with my own values. I am especially grateful for the opportunity this award offers to learn from and be mentored by respected leaders in the field of law and social justice. I look forward to the knowledge, growth, and opportunities that lie ahead as I continue working toward meaningful change.”
About Alexandra Korry
Alexandra was a top partner at the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell for many years, and one of the leading M&A lawyers in the United States. She was among the first women senior partners of a major Wall Street firm and worked tirelessly to break barriers and create opportunities for women and other under-represented groups. Alexandra chaired the New York Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, which credited her with an outsized impact in advancing civil rights, including helping to end solitary confinement of youth in New York and working on police accountability and educational equity. For many years, Alexandra was HEAF’s board of directors chair, taught an introductory law class to HEAF students, and led its legal mentorship efforts, among her many other philanthropic and educational endeavors.