Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Duke.
Hi Staci, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to fairness, storytelling, and social impact. Even as a child, I was preoccupied with the idea of justice! I felt the weight of the world’s pain and carried a fierce belief that things could and should be better.
My parents will also tell you that I’ve always had a bit of a rebellious streak, a natural inclination to question norms and push back when something felt wrong. That instinct never left me, and it’s what propelled me into a career centered on advocacy and change.
This included a stint as a news reporter, where I learned how to listen carefully, tell stories with integrity, and shine light on voices that were often overlooked. I also briefly worked in advertising and account planning, where I sharpened my skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving. But my heart has always been in nonprofit work. Most of my career has focused on building organizations and campaigns that fight for equity, dignity, and access for underserved communities.
All of this led me to my current role as Executive Director of And Justice for All, where I bring together a lifelong passion for justice with decades of experience in nonprofit leadership. I’m proud to lead an organization that expands access to legal services for those who need it most, and challenges systems that often exclude them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth but it’s been real, and it’s shaped who I am. Like many people, I’ve wrestled with self-doubt and learning to trust my own instincts. For years, I looked to external markers of success or approval, even when my gut told me something different. It took time to understand that I could trust my own voice. Especially in leadership, where you’re constantly navigating conflicting opinions and expectations.
There were also broader life challenges — burnout, personal losses, and the emotional weight of working in systems that often fail the very people we’re trying to help. But those moments taught me how to hold complexity, stay grounded, and lead from a place of authenticity rather than perfection.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about And Justice for All?
And Justice for All (AJFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and sustaining Utah’s civil legal aid network. We support and fund three core legal aid partners — Utah Legal Services, Disability Law Center, and Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake — along with a grants program that supported seven additional mission-aligned providers in 2025. Together, we work to close Utah’s justice gap and ensure that low-income Utahns, people with disabilities, older adults, survivors of abuse, and other vulnerable individuals can access legal help in life-altering matters such as domestic violence, housing, debt, education, and discrimination.
What sets us apart is our collaborative model. Rather than duplicating efforts, AJFA brings legal aid providers under one roof — both physically and strategically — to share resources, reduce overhead, and maximize the impact of every donated dollar. We are known for building bridges between the legal, nonprofit, and business sectors to expand access to justice in bold, innovative ways. In 2024 alone, this partnership directly helped more than 33,000 people statewide and countless more through systemic advocacy.
We are most proud of the trust we’ve earned, both from Utah’s legal community and from the people we serve. We’re not flashy, but we’re deeply effective and fiercely committed to making the legal system work for everyone, not just those who can afford representation.
What we want readers to know is this: civil legal aid transforms lives. It keeps families safe, prevents homelessness, protects people with disabilities from exploitation, and ensures due process in systems that often fail those with the fewest resources. AJFA exists to ensure this work not only continues, but grows stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable with every passing year.
And the impact reaches far beyond individual clients. For every dollar invested in Utah’s legal aid programs, the community sees a $13.01 return in cost savings across courts, law enforcement, healthcare, and other systems. Legal aid doesn’t just provide justice, it creates smart, systemic solutions that benefit everyone.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is that your voice matters. You can be a fierce advocate and still be vulnerable. Leadership does not come from having all the answers; it comes from the courage to ask the right questions, to listen with humility, and to keep showing up when things are hard.
I have also learned that justice work is not about sweeping change overnight. It is about showing up consistently, thinking creatively, and building community over time. Every step matters. When you lead with heart and conviction, people respond. Sincerity and passion create a kind of energy that people can feel. That is what makes them want to lean in, listen, and support your message.
Just as importantly, I have learned that real progress happens through collaboration. We do not have to carry everything alone. In fact, the most powerful solutions often come from the collective — from bringing together different voices, skills, and lived experiences. The whole is truly stronger than the parts.
This is exactly what I strive to cultivate at And Justice for All. We are not just funding services. We are building a movement grounded in trust, compassion, and the belief that when we come together, we can create a more just and equitable world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andjusticeforall.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajfautah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahAJFA/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andjusticeforall/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgSxV-XHmrOvFXM-eth_hDA
