Paige Berges developed a passion for international law while she was a student at Stetson University.

After graduating with a bachelor of arts in political science in 2004, the Bokeelia, Fla., native went on to Duke University School of Law and earned a juris doctor (J.D.) and master of laws (LL.M.) degrees.

Since then, she has been successful at parlaying that interest into meaningful work, both paid and pro-bono. Those accomplishments helped her receive one of 10 national Alpha Chi Omega Real. Strong. Woman of Distinction Awards for 2017.

Berges is the first Stetson alumna to receive the prestigious award from her sorority.

“I have worked in various contexts, including international criminal law, human rights law, humanitarian law, dispute resolution, but I always felt drawn to the private sector and the need to align private finance with public good,” explained Berges, now vice president in the financial crime division at a global investment bank in London.

The sorority selected Berges because she strives to make a positive difference in the world, according to the Alpha Chi Omega website.

“In her legal career, she regularly volunteered to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors in pro bono practice,” the sorority wrote. “Paige also volunteered with Lawyers Without Borders, helping to improve the capacity of foreign lawyers – primarily women – to resolve disputes and communicate more effectively for change. She also worked with the International Criminal Court and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, providing similar advocacy training and guidance on best practices.”

Berges says her legal focus has shifted to the private sector, where she believes she can advocate for human rights.

“I have increasingly come to believe that we must address failures in the private sector in order to have lasting change in human rights and development,” she said on the award website. “Corruption and money laundering deprive developing countries of billions in much-needed capital, and allow criminal organizations to thrive, affecting human rights in myriad contexts.

“That’s why I currently focus on financial crime compliance in banking,” she said.

Besides her volunteer work, she also remains active in U.S. politics, working with “Democrats Abroad” to raise awareness of important international issues and funds in support of Hillary Clinton’s campaign last year. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright spoke at one event, giving Berges the opportunity to have her photo taken with Albright.

From 2008 through 2014, Berges worked with women who were survivors of domestic violence to get them legal immigration status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with a charity called HerJustice in New York.

In another case, Berges helped challenge the New York City Police Department’s implementation of “operation clean halls,” a program which allowed police officers to patrol private apartment buildings in the city.

“The class of plaintiffs alleged the implementation was discriminatory and led police to unlawfully stop, question and frisk them and their minor children,” she explained. “Ultimately the judge found … that the NYPD had routinely violated citizens’ constitutional rights through implementation of the clean halls program.” 

Berges also assists charities to navigate and comply with financial crime laws. She has conducted several trainings, including one last year with Advocates for International Development. She is working with the American branch of the international human rights committee of the International Law Association in support of an amicus brief that challenges President Trump’s executive order 13780, commonly known as the “travel ban.”

 Even with all of these accomplishments, Berges remains humble and grounded.

“I am most inspired by friends who work on the front lines in international development. I know many who face more personal and professional challenges than myself, but who remain committed to making a difference. I owe it to them to do the best that I can,” she said.

 Berges’ Alpha Chi “Big Sis,” Allison Foster, nominated her for the award.

“I have stayed in touch with Paige over the years since we graduated, but last summer I caught up with Paige while I was in London,” explained Foster, an advancement officer for the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and a regional vice president within the Stetson University Alumni board. “Paige opened her home up to me while I was visiting and we were able to catch up. It was at that point that I was able to hear all of what Paige has truly been up to since we graduated.”

 What Foster heard astounded her.

“Paige is doing exactly what a Real. Strong. Woman would be doing: making an impact on the world around her through her interests and her work.  She has done incredible international work as both a volunteer and through paid work.  She does this with passion to create true change in the world.  This is the type of sister who needs to be recognized for her contributions.”

-Trish Wieland