Sadie Strelow

Document Type

Interview

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Publication Date

5-9-2025

Abstract

In this powerful and moving interview, Dr. Cynthia Mertens reflects on her journey from growing up in the Bay Area to becoming a trailblazing lawyer, professor, and fierce advocate for justice. A graduate of Stanford and UC Law San Francisco, she candidly recounts the discrimination she faced as a woman in law—stories of “ladies day” in law school, firm meetings held in men-only clubs, and disrespectful male students as a female professor—all of which only deepened her commitment to uplifting the marginalized. Her leadership was instrumental in founding the Katharine and George Alexander Law Center at Santa Clara University, a lasting legacy of her devotion to community-centered advocacy. Mertens’ professional accolades include numerous teaching and service awards from Santa Clara, as well as regional recognition as a “Silicon Valley Woman of Influence” and a “Bay Area Woman of Honor.” Equally impactful is her profound care for students: she led immersion trips around the world to examine human rights and personally housed and mentored international students who couldn’t afford law school, several of whom she now considers family. Even in retirement, she continues this work, currently housing a student who just completed his final exams. Her compassion, strength, and lifelong dedication have left an indelible mark on the Santa Clara community. Dr Mertens is a phenomenal speaker, teacher, lawyer, and human– and this is an interview you do not want to miss.

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Interviewer: Sadie Strelow - Gerontology minor

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