Episode 22-11, part 1: The Honorable Nikylan Knapper, US Dept. of Agriculture

Today’s guest is the honorable Nikylan Knapper. Ms. Knapper is an administrative judge for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as the first Black mayor in the year history of Maplewood, MO. Judge Knapper’s legal career has spanned more than 16 years and includes stints as a trial lawyer for the U.S. Department of Labor, a solo practitioner, and public defender. Prior to being elected as mayor she served on the Maplewood Richmond Heights school board. On today’s episode, which is part-1 of a 2-part interview, judge Knapper discusses her 16-year journey to become an administrative judge for the USDA.