"I am deeply humbled to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Under 10 at Virginia Commonwealth University. This recognition serves as a testament to the unwavering support of my mentors, the unyielding dedication of my family, and the boundless encouragement from the university administration. I am proud to have left a legacy at this esteemed institution and will continue to strive for excellence in all my future endeavors at GW Law and beyond," said Axana Soltan.
Soltan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Honors College with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Douglas L. Wilder Schools of Government and Public Affairs, where she made history as the first Afghan-American student to give the Commencement speech in 2017. She then earned her Juris Doctor with the highest distinction from the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, where she served in the US Supreme Court Youth and Appeals Justice Clinic and Civil Rights Legislation Clinic. She proceeded to study her LLM at the George Washington University School of Law, where she was selected as a GW Law Merit-Based Scholar and serves as a guide staff member at the George Washington International Law Review. Soltan is currently doing her training in negotiation, litigation, and arbitration at Harvard Law School.
VCU Alumni’s 10 Under 10 awards celebrate alumni who earned their first VCU degree within the past 10 years and who have enjoyed remarkable professional success, made important contributions to their community, and/or loyally supported the university. Soltan, a human rights lawyer and activist, graduated in 2017 with a BS from VCU’s Honors College and Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
Read VCU's full story on Axana Soltan's Top 10 Under 10 award.