Alumni award winner says Binghamton University pushed her to think beyond the surface

Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau '15 is a Bearcat of the Last Decade (BOLD) 10 Under 10 Award winner for the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences.

Specializing in sexual abuse and harassment defense, employment law, and complex torts and general liability defense, the political science alumna is now an associate at Wilson Elser and provides strategic council to clients, often achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive matters. She has organized programs such as the Know Your Rights sessions, which empower tenants and landlords with essential legal knowledge, and supports young lawyers by creating spaces for mentorship and professional growth with organizations such as the Metropolitan Black Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and Real Talk Discussions.

Named a New Jersey Super Lawyer Rising Star 2024 and having received a Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School 50 under 50 award, the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, the Power 100 Award and the Humanitarian Award, Garcon-Bonneau continues to be recognized for her influence and work in the legal profession.

The Binghamton University Alumni Association will present its 2025 Special Recognition Awards on Saturday, May 3, at the Binghamton Club.

What does it mean to you to win an award like this from Binghamton University?

It feels like a full-circle moment. To be recognized now by the place that molded me is incredibly humbling and meaningful. This award isn't just about professional accomplishments - it's about honoring the journey and the people who poured into me along the way. It's a reminder that your roots matter, and that the work you do - even as a student - can have lasting impact.

You specialize in sexual abuse and harassment defense, employment law and complex torts. What drew you to these particular areas of law, and how do you approach these sensitive cases?

I've always loved litigation and being in the thick of high-stakes matters. I naturally gravitated toward cases that constantly kept me on my toes - where the facts were complex, the stakes were high and the outcomes deeply impacted people's lives. I fell into these areas because they challenged me and kept me interested. I approach each case with care, discretion and a strong sense of responsibility. These cases require not only legal precision but empathy and strength. I try to bring all of that to the table every time.

Binghamton emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. How did the skills you developed there help you in handling complex cases, particularly in sensitive areas like sexual abuse and harassment defense?

Binghamton pushed me to think beyond the surface - to analyze issues from multiple angles, anticipate outcomes and break down complex problems. That intellectual rigor has been critical in my legal career, especially in handling sensitive matters. These cases require you to balance empathy with strategy, understand nuanced human behavior, and assess risk and liability under intense scrutiny. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills I developed at Binghamton are the foundation of how I approach every case.

You've dedicated much of your career to mentorship and community education. Did you have mentors at Binghamton who inspired you to take on this role?

Nicole Sirju-Johnson [assistant vice president for diversity] and Professor Wendy Martinek had a profound impact on me. They were present, invested and believed in my potential. Their guidance helped me navigate academics and my life as an aspiring lawyer. Watching them lead with compassion and purpose inspired me to pay it forward. I see mentorship not as an extra responsibility but as a necessary part of success.

How did your time at Binghamton University influence your decision to pursue a legal career? Were there any particular classes, professors or experiences that shaped your path?

I always knew I wanted to go to law school, but Binghamton helped me solidify that path. Being part of the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society gave me community and purpose, and taking Constitutional Law with Professor Martinek really sparked something in me. It helped me see how powerful the law could be and how I could use it to make a difference.

Binghamton has a strong academic community. Were you involved in any organizations, leadership roles or extracurricular activities during your time there that helped prepare you for law school and your legal career?

I served on the Broome-Newing area council, and I was the educational coordinator for the Black Student Union, where I organized a mentoring program for Binghamton youth ages 4 to 15 every Saturday - one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I was also the vice president of the Black Student Union and helped lead Black History Month and our 45th Anniversary Gala. I organized the event that brought Stephen A. Smith to campus.

In addition, I was an MRC intern, a student advocate, a member of Phi Alpha Delta and vice president of the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society. All of these roles helped sharpen my leadership, organization and advocacy skills - exactly what I needed for law school and my legal career.

What challenges did you face transitioning from Binghamton to Hofstra Law School, and how did your undergraduate education prepare you for the demands of law school?

The biggest challenge was adjusting to the fast pace and pressure of law school, but Binghamton had already laid the foundation I needed. Through my leadership roles and academic experiences, I built a strong work ethic and learned how to manage my time effectively. Attending events like the Thurgood Marshall Law Conference and taking real-world focused classes helped me develop critical thinking skills and navigate complex issues. By the time I got to Hofstra, I knew how to advocate for myself - and that confidence made all the difference.

Being named to awards like the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award and Power 100 is a testament to your impact. Looking back, would your undergraduate self have envisioned this path for you? What advice would you give to current Binghamton students aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

I always had a vision for my future. Binghamton gave me the tools, confidence and community to truly pursue it. My involvement in the Black Student Union played a huge role in shaping my leadership style and voice. I also had a strong support system -people like Nate Lancaster, Aisha Prudent, Mallam Osman, Melinda Momplaisir and Sena Harley - who I still stay in touch with and collaborate with professionally.

To current students: get involved. Build friendships that last. Lean into opportunities that challenge you. Build community, make memories, and gain real-life experience. Binghamton gives you everything you need to succeed - you just have to be willing to show up and take advantage of it.