A Pioneer Bobcat Blazes a Path Through Law and Technology

From Law School to Silicon Valley

At UC Hastings (since renamed UC San Francisco College of the Law), she received a Doctor of Law degree in 2013. She was a member of the Black Law Students Association and of the Pro Bono Society, providing more than 100 hours of pro bono services.

Initially, she saw her legal future behind a bench as a judge. Then an internship in the legal department of a tech company sparked her interest in Silicon Valley culture. Her first professional job was as a contracts manager with Intermedia Cloud Communications in Sunnyvale.

Less than a year later, a contract management role in another company drew Wright into the surging, shifting world of tech startups. She developed a reputation helping new ventures cement partnerships and contracts, ensuring agreements were legally sound.

Over the years, two of her employers went public with stock offerings and one was bought by a larger company - watershed achievements for Silicon Valley startups. Wright said she built a reputation for guiding young companies to a desired level of growth. Then, well, Silicon Valley still works like a small town; it's who you know.

"I would interact with a lot of customers and different companies. People see your work," she said. "Fortunately, I have many previous managers who speak highly of me."

Wright said the people at UC Merced supported her desire to leave a legacy and make a difference.

"I feel like I was celebrated, appreciated," she said. "Back then, they called us pioneers. I feel UC Merced still has that supportive, entrepreneurial spirit. I'm so happy to see it growing and flourishing."