1. Tell us why you chose GW Law.
Initially, I was drawn to the caliber of professors, namely former GW Law professor, Lisa Fairfax, who President Obama nominated to serve as an SEC Commissioner, and my longtime councilwoman Mary Cheh. Before law school, I worked on Capitol Hill for a House Financial Services Committee member, where I developed interests at the intersection of business, law, and public policy. Ultimately, the Field Placement Program and GW in New York (GWNY) determined my decision to attend GW Law. GW Law is the only school that offers deep exposure to both New York and Washington, D.C. GWNY is an intensive program that provides students with a domestic off-campus educational opportunity in New York City. In addition to taking corporate law courses taught by reputable partners at some of the nation's preeminent law firms, students participate concurrently in an externship through the law school's Field Placement Program. The externships allow students to gain valuable business law-related work experience and add amazing connections to their professional networks. Together, GWNY and Field Placement provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to live in NYC and be fully immersed in business law. This unique experience allows participating students to separate themselves and increase their marketability for postgraduate career opportunities in business law.
2. Is there a class or experience at GW Law that has had a significant impact on you or helped shape your path for the future?
I came to law school with hopes of helping minority-owned businesses navigate their expansion into global markets. Last spring, I was selected to participate in GWNY and spent the semester in New York City externing at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This allowed me to learn from and build relationships with leaders across the business law spectrum. Living in NYC for a semester, away from my family and close friends, instilled in me grace, grit, and good humor. I also met some of my closest friends through GWNY. After completing the program, I am confident that I have the skills to establish myself as a corporate change-agent and bring small and minority-owned businesses forward by helping them raise capital and establish financial stability. I am forever indebted to Professor Lawrence Cunningham and Dean Keri McCoy for their unwavering support and investment in my future. They both demonstrated that they cared about who I was and what was important to me, including both my personal and professional goals. I have them both to thank for this incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience.
3. What was it like seeing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States?
Witnessing Judge Jackson’s confirmation was surreal. Like me, she was born in Washington, D.C. Likewise, as a first-generation American, having the first Black, South Asian, and female Vice President preside over the Senate vote made this moment equally special. It was an indescribable energy that day on the White House lawn as Judge Jackson paid homage to her ancestors while standing in front of a house built by enslaved African Americans. There was collective reverence from the audience when she described herself as “the dream and hope of the slave.” Her speech was so profound; everyone had goosebumps. And she’s right. Many have rippled through time and generations to blaze the path forward. It is the torch our community bears and the torch we will pass. But Judge Jackson is so much more than her race and gender. She is the most qualified and will be the only former Public Defender on the Court. After watching her confirmation hearing, Judge Jackson is resilience personified and having her become a part of history during my time as a law student is momentous and inspiring. This appointment speaks to who we are as a country, and I am proud that the highest court will better reflect our nation.
4. If you could give a piece of advice to incoming 1L students, what would you tell them?
I would remind 1Ls of the word Judge Jackson offered to the next generation of leaders during her confirmation hearing: “persevere.” Sometimes we set seemingly unattainable goals that do not immediately materialize. But it is important to keep going. Find sustenance in others. The GW Law community is overwhelmingly supportive. My law school experience is significantly better with the advice, guidance, and support of my GW Law family. So don’t be afraid to ask others for help, including me. Networking is the vehicle that drives professional success, especially in D.C. It is critical to find people who are willing to invest in you. Those who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room and who will uplift you when you’re feeling down. Lastly, don’t let imposter syndrome get the best of you. If you weren’t meant to be here, you would be elsewhere.
5. Anything else you would like to share with our GW Law community?
As future legal professionals, I encourage my fellow students to think about who they want to be and what specific steps they can take to position themselves to accomplish their goals. The moments that force us to work a little harder and pick ourselves up when things don't go as planned are the moments that define us. Despite what you want to do, find a way to step outside your own self-interests to help others and our community. The values that we learn from serving others are the qualities that will move our country forward. In whatever capacity, make the legal industry one that belongs to everybody despite our differences. Think about the legacy you will leave for the next generation. Be intentional and lead with kindness. If your absence doesn't make a difference, your presence never did.