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Fantastic Four

The Spelman Messenger Features Alumnae Under 40

Fierce and Fabulous Spelman Women

Spelman women are leaders, women of influence, innovators and problem solvers. Here is just a sampling of stories about alumnae under 40 who have effectively made changes in their fields, in their communities and around the world. 

*This is just an excerpt from the list which originally appeared in the fall edition of the Messenger magazine. Additional alumnae profiles listed in the publication will be added the week of Dec. 3. 

Candice Cannon Uses Her Legal Expertise to Change Lives

Candice Cannon RuddCandice Cannon Rudd, Esq., C'2011, is an associate attorney and concentrates her legal practice in the area of civil litigation. Under this broad umbrella, she primarily handles medical malpractice litigation, hospital liability defense, toxic tort, and commercial litigation.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Rudd received her B.A. in political science from Spelman College. She is a third-generation Spelman graduate, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother (Margaret Rucker Sheftall, C'59, and Sheila Sheftall Cannon, M.D., C'83), as well as numerous aunts and cousins. She is proud to see her sister (Raquelle Cannon, C'2021) continuing this tradition. 

blue-quote-leftAt Spelman, I learned that success happens when opportunity meets preparation. I am grateful to my alma mater for instilling in me the idea that End of Quoteperseverance and aspiration can take you wherever you dream of going.

Rudd received her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2014, and is admitted to the Illinois bar. Recently selected as a 2018 Super Lawyers Magazine “Illinois Rising Star,” Rudd successfully defended a hospital client as a second-chair in a Chicago jury trial for a complex medical malpractice case with a demand seeking in excess of $1M.

A true embodiment of the Spelman College mission to lead and serve, Rudd is poised to change the world by serving others. She supports many volunteer causes including, The Wills For Heroes Foundation which provides legal documents such as wills, living wills, and powers of attorney, free of charge to our nation’s first responders. She also tutors for the Illinois bar with Minority Legal Education Resources at DePaul University College of Law.

Spelman Messenger Fall 2018