In 2004, Vernetta received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University. Five years later, she completed her law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Vernetta’s first job out of law school was as a staff attorney for the Racial Justice Act Study following the passage of the Racial Justice Act in the fall of 2009. The RJA gave death row inmates a chance to have their sentences reduced based on statistical evidence of racial bias in the death penalty.

As a member of the House, Rep. Alston has advocated for well-funded schools, safe communities, health care, and a strong

environment for economic growth. She has fought for more resources for educators and for law enforcement. She has become a leader in housing policy and helped pass the Unfair Real Estate Agreements act which will protect vulnerable homeowners from predatory actors.

​Vernetta will continue to work every day for the people of Durham County and everyone in North Carolina. You can read about her work in the legislature here.