Hallie Hovey-Murray J.D. '19 doesn't let autism slow her down

Looking at Hallie Hovey-Murray J.D. ’19, no one would guess that doctors diagnosed her with autism at the age of 11. Whether she’s posing for a pageant or speaking in front of cameras, she carries herself with the poise and grace befitting her title of Miss Southwestern Virginia. She appears calm, cool and collected in the spotlight that her position affords.

Hovey-Murray uses the platform of Miss Southwestern Virginia to advocate for children with autism, and she has transformed the platform into a non-profit, One in 68. According to WRIC.com, a local news network for the Richmond area, One in 68 seeks not only to raise awareness for the disease but also to end the stigma associated with it. Through her blog, Hovey-Murray encourages us to view children diagnosed with autism not as limited individuals but as talented people capable of success if given the right tools.

She continues her mission of advocacy as a second-year law student at William & Mary Law School where she serves as the president of the Children’s Advocacy Law Society. In addition to holding this position, continuing her speaking engagements for One in 68 and her responsibilities as Miss Southwestern Virginia, she also serves as vice president of communications for the W&M chapter of the Federalist Society of Law and Public Policy. She is also a leadership fellow.