Raised in a military household in Colorado Springs, Virginia “Ginny” Woodfork embraced the value of “service over self” early in life, a principle that would guide her through every chapter of her personal and professional journey to becoming a trial attorney.
Ginny chose to stay close to home for college, enrolling at the University of Denver. A course which explored the history of U.S. policies sparked a realization that would shape her future: understanding the past is essential to shaping the future. Driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in her home state, she soon declared Public Policy as a second major.
That desire then led her to El Pomar Foundation. As an Intern, Ginny worked with Emerging Leaders Development (now Elevating Leadership Development) and Regional Partnerships. She found herself immersed in a mission that mirrored her own values: leadership, equity, and service. Working alongside former Senior Vice President and ELD Program Officer, Theo Gregory, she gained a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity in nonprofit leadership and the power of community-driven solutions.
“El Pomar’s Regional Partnerships program showed me how community members know their needs the best. It was inspiring.”
After graduating from University of Denver with honors, Ginny was accepted into both the El Pomar Fellowship and Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Faced with a choice between two prestigious paths, she deferred law school and chose the Fellowship.
“I really wanted to have that experience of working at El Pomar, honestly. I actually drove across the country to ask if I could defer [law school]. The Dean said, ‘You know, you could have just called,’” she laughed.
Deferring law school for the Fellowship was a defining decision. During her two years at El Pomar, Ginny became proficient in strategic thinking, public speaking, time management and enhanced her ability to lead with empathy. These valuable skills prepared her to excel in law school and to have a successful legal career.
At Washington University, Ginny continued to lead, guided by the values she had solidified during the Fellowship—service, inclusion, and the belief that leadership is most powerful when it lifts others. As president of the Black Law Students Association, she helped incoming students navigate law school, build networks, and foster a sense of community.
Today, Ginny is a trial attorney at Littler Mendelson PC in Denver, specializing in employment and labor law litigation. She represents companies in workplace disputes and advises on policy, with a focus on creating better workplaces.
“When I’m in court, and I’m speaking in front of judges, I have confidence and great communication, a skill set that I learned at El Pomar.”
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ since 2022, Ginny continues to carry the lessons of the Fellowship with her. Her story reflects what happens when service becomes a way of life: not just a value, but a compass. This compass led Ginny to a road less traveled, from a 2010 El Pomar Fellow to trial attorney and leader.
