Name: Adina L. Pollan
Age: Barely over 30
Family: Mom, Loretta; dad, Art; one younger sister, Adria, and her precious dog, Bailey
Pets: A Cockapoo named Bella, and a miniature poodle named Beau
Education: The Bolles School, 1997; Emory University, B.B.A., Goizueta Business School, 2001; University of Florida College of Law, J.D., 2005 (Go Gators!)
Admitted to the Bar: 2005
Employed by: Akerman Senterfitt
Field of practice: Consumer Finance Litigation and Bankruptcy
Professional Organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association; Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association (past board member, 2007-2008); Chester Bedell Inn of Courts
Community Involvement: As a Jacksonville native, I’ve had the pleasure of giving back to the community for many years. Recently, I captained an Akerman team for the March of Dimes March for Babies Law Firm Challenge. I also co-hosted a fundraiser for the gubernatorial Democratic nominee, Alex Sink. And currently, I’m captaining an Akerman effort to collect food for Hubbard House for The JBA-sponsored Food Drive.
How did you get involved?
It was easy. In high school, I was selected to take part in some community leadership programs, where I chaired a holiday toy drive for the children of the Sulzbacher Center, and tutored students at The Bridge of Northeast Florida. From there, I eagerly got involved in college. I volunteered at the Egleston Children’s Hospital, and was one of the founding members of ArtsReach, a program teaching conflict resolution and prejudice reduction through the arts in Atlanta city schools and juvenile detention centers. In law school, I volunteered at Puppy Hill Farm, a local animal shelter. Back in Jacksonville, I’ve volunteered at Special Olympics events, participated annually in The JBA Holiday Project, and even took part in the Bachelor/Bachelorette Charity Auction fundraiser for the North Florida School for students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities.
How can someone else get involved?
There are so many opportunities in Jacksonville. Contact a local charity, such as the Ronald McDonald House or the Trinity Rescue Mission. If you think there’s an overlooked area of the community, start your own organization or initiate a drive to meet that need. You can also participate in fundraisers, such as the Bowl for Kids’ Sake, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. And if you can’t think of where to start, just ask someone. Colleagues and friends have recommended many opportunities. Or just ask me!
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
How involvement enriches your life. When you see gratitude from those you’ve helped, you appreciate your life that much more. I’m fortunate to have a loving family, great friends and a wonderful career. But for those who aren’t so lucky, your time and generosity are considerable. I’ll always remember the man who could barely say “Thank you” as he struggled with tears when I filled his soup bowl. Moments like those are special, and make me want to give back even more.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I’m trying to finish “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac.