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Meet The Team

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Co- President

Maleeha Aslam 

2nd Year | Law & Society

Maleeha's grandfather, Muhammad Aslam Saleemi, was a civil lawyer in Pakistan who primarily represented NGOs. He practiced at some of the top courts in Pakistan, including the Supreme Court. He placed huge value on women’s education and always encouraged the women in Maleeha's family to become leaders in their fields, believing that their voices would make waves in today’s society. Just like him, Maleeha wishes to advocate for the underprivileged and campaign for a more equitable society.

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Co- President

Victoria Perchal

2nd Year | Dbl Major Political Science and Law & Society 

Victoria’s legal inspiration stems from her desire to make the world a more just place for everyone.  She believes that many people have so much more to offer than they have the opportunity to give, because of circumstance.  She wants to do her part to try and level the playing field, so that every individual can fulfill their true potential.

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Senior Vice President 

Yasaman Zavar

5th Year |  Dbl Major Law & Society and Philosophy

Yasaman's passion for the field of law is driven by a deep-seated desire to uphold justice and advocate for human rights, much like the work of renowned human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney. While interested in the legal field, she is also extremely passionate about mastering the intricacies of corporate governance and compliance. Yasaman is eager to craft innovative legal strategies that not only protect but also enhance the reputations and operational success of the organizations she represents.

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Co-Vice President of Marketing 

Sephrah Luke

2nd Year | Law & Society Major, African Studies Minor

Sephrah’s legal inspiration stems from her community, particularly among those who have made a lasting impact within the legal field. One person that Sephrah admires for her strength and resilience is Violet King Henry who was the first Black woman to become a  Lawyer in Canada. Violet King’s story inspires Sephrah to continue advocating for her community and pursuing future goals. Her story also reminds Sephrah that with determination and dedication, any barriers that may arise on the journey of becoming a lawyer, are possible to overcome.

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Co-Vice President of Marketing 

Rayane Aden Hadi

4th Year  | International Development 

Rayane is an aspiring international lawyer and fourth-year International Development student. Her lifelong passion for international affairs, sparked as a young girl, has grown into a commitment to human rights, social justice, and community empowerment. Dedicated to promoting equality, protecting vulnerable populations, and upholding the rule of law, Rayane strives to create inclusive spaces and challenge systemic barriers. 

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Graphic Designer

Daniya Ahsan

1st Year | Design 

Daniya doesn't have a personal hero, but she finds inspiration in the human experience she encounters in her day-to-day life. Along with this, she feels an undeniable and growing hunger for personal growth, striving to be better than she was yesterday and to truly live up to her full potential. Her goal is to make the most of her human experience (she’s not an alien, she swears), embracing all its highs and lows.

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Vice President of Finance

Emma Sinani 

3rd Year | Finance

​Emma finds inspiration in Erifili Bezhani, the first female Albanian lawyer. Erifili valiantly advocated for democracy, party pluralism, and women’s rights in Albania. Her legacy inspires Emma to continue advocating for women’s rights and to take pride in her heritage.

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Co-Vice President of Administration 

Hiba Yassin 

4th Year | Law & Society

Hiba's heroes and inspiration are her parents. There are no words to describe the impact they continue to make in her life. They instilled her with confidence, strength, and happiness. They push her to go after what she wants, and she hopes to achieve that for them.

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Co-Vice President of Administration 

Maheen Javeed

3rd Year | Economics

As an immigrant who has experienced various legal systems, Maheen finds profound inspiration in the intricacy of the law integrated into the minutiae of daily life. Making decisions in her daily life is guided by her understanding of the vast dimensions of the law. Maheen sees legality expanding beyond the courtrooms and legislative chambers; it permeates every aspect of existence. From the contracts that govern transactions to the regulations shaping workplaces, she views the law as both a protector and a pathway to empowerment. In the negotiation of differences, the validation of rights, and the pursuit of justice in even the most negligible interactions, Maheen finds her legal inspiration, fueling her determination to navigate this new terrain with grace and integrity.

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Administrative Coordinator 

Giselle Yammine

4th Year | Law & Society

​Giselle's legal inspiration is rooted in the desire to advocate for those who feel unheard, particularly children facing adversity. Her aspiration is to become a beacon of hope and guidance within the legal field one day, striving to make her family proud. Their selflessness and unwavering support have paved the way for her academic opportunities. Therefore, it would be a profound honor for Giselle to commemorate their countless sacrifices by dedicating herself to advancing social justice, carrying on the spirit of their generosity and guidance.

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Vice President of Events 

Hailey Kulcher 

2nd Year | Law & Society

​From a young age, Hailey learned the profound impact of resilience, stemming from years of overcoming adversity, which ultimately shaped her perspective on life. Her dedication for justice lies in amplifying the voices of all who have faced adversity, and the communities who have been underrepresented in society. As Hailey embarks on her legal career, she will advocate tirelessly for equal opportunity and fair treatment for all, vowing to bring a fresh perspective to the delivery of justice.

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Event Coordinator

Mehakpreet Singh

2nd Year | Law & Society

Mehakpreet is pursuing this degree in hopes to one day be the voice for representing people from marginalized communities who face difficulties with the legal system. After seeing people with diverse backgrounds being treated with discrimination in the justice system, her goal is to help ensure everyone is treated with respect and equity.

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Event Coordinator

Sanzala Achakzai

2nd Year | Law & Society

​Sanzala's legal inspiration stems from her family, who come from a nation severely destabilized by the greed and corruption of the West. Their nobility to help their people cost some of them their lives, and others had to flee the country they knew as home. Their sacrifices deeply motivate Sanzala and fuel her commitment to ensure that such injustices are not repeated.

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Event Coordinator 

Nyathiel Wuol-Kouth

3rd Year | Law & Society 

​Nyathiel's legal inspiration stems from her desire to fight against the social inequalities that disproportionately affect people of color. She is driven by a belief that everyone deserves equal access to fair treatment under the law.

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Vice President of Outreach & Recruitment

Sherly Molina

4th Year | Political Science | Certificate in Public Administration & Law | Certificate in French Studies

Sherly's legal inspiration is rooted in championing talented women in law and social justice, dismantling barriers to foster support for marginalized women. As a Latin American woman herself, she has recognized the critical need to promote education within her community, challenging stereotypes and fostering diversity to combat misogyny in the legal sphere and advocate for justice and human rights in the face of underrepresentation.

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Event Coordinator 

Julissa Alvarez

4th Year | Social Work

Julissa has always been driven by her profound belief in social justice and her passion for advocacy. Her inspiration for pursuing the legal field has definitely derived from her upbringing. Growing up, her family lived in an impoverished community and often had to resort to food banks to attain basic necessities. Julissa's personal experiences with poverty have inspired her to fight for justice and equality, especially for those in disadvantaged and underprivileged groups. She’s eager to use her skills to break down barriers and create pathways to equality and justice.

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Outreach and Recruitment​ Coordinator 

Yashwini Yogendran

2nd Year | Business Administration

Yashwini's legal inspiration is deeply rooted in her commitment to justice and equality. She is driven by her desire to advocate for those who are marginalized and to lend a voice to the voiceless. However, beyond that, her inspiration is fueled by her profound yearning to effect real change in the world, to contribute to the ongoing struggle for justice and peace.

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Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

Fatimah Hira 

3rd Year | Law & Society

Fatimah's legal inspiration stems from her decade of work with marginalized South Asian immigrants and refugees, focusing on their mental health and rights. This experience fuels her desire to support vulnerable communities. Additionally, her commitment to justice is shaped by her mother, whose steadfast belief in justice and protection profoundly influences Fatimah's values and aspirations.. 

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Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

Thureya Khalaf (Sureyya)

3rd Year | Law & Society | Certificate in Public Administration and Law 

Sureyya grew up in a culture marked by resilience and perseverance, witnessing the impact of injustice and marginalization. Her pursuit of law is deeply rooted in her Kurdish culture and the struggles of ethnic and religious minorities throughout history. This connection to her roots and the challenges faced by communities like Yezidis, Assyrians, and Kurds has instilled in her a strong commitment to justice and human rights. Her experience as a Kurdish-Syrian immigrant and studies in Law and Society have further fueled her determination to advocate for equity and fairness. Sureyya is dedicated to upholding individual rights, applying historical lessons for a just future, and fostering an inclusive environment by challenging biases and promoting coexistence and mutual respect.

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Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

Nikki Naeimi

3rd Year | Human Rights & Equity Studies 

Ever since Nikki was about 10 years old, she knew that whatever she ended up doing with her life in the future, it had to revolve around human rights advocacy. Coming from a country notorious for its constant rights violations, Nikki grew up with a desire to make change, and pursuing international law seemed like the way to do it. She looks up to Iranian lawyer and Nobel laureate, Shirin Ebadi, as an example of what she could achieve in the future, and even hopes to one day take her advocacy to the ICC or ICJ. Her greatest motivator, above all, is the thought of future generations growing up in a world different from the one she’s experienced.

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Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

Mahi Patel 

2nd Year | Law & Society 

From a young age, Mahi encountered pervasive biases and inequalities, particularly in a predominantly white area with rigid gender roles. As one of the few non-white students, she faced both sexism and racism, observing how non-marginalized individuals were favoured. These experiences ignited her passion for becoming a lawyer. They inspire her to challenge stereotypes and advocate for those facing similar barriers, showing that despite societal and familial limitations, one can defy labels and achieve their full potential. It also inspired her to challenge the system and end how it often favours the non-marginalized over the marginalized.

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Vice President of Social Justice & Advocacy 

Tahreem Shah

2nd Year | Political Science 

 Tahreem's inspiration for pursuing law is the awareness of her privileges and the understanding that there are people in the world who, frankly, are more deserving of every opportunity and comfort she has at her disposal. Tahreem's background has taught her that although mankind is created equal, not everyone is treated as such. As a result, she considers it a responsibility to those of us with privilege to create a better world for those without it. 

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Social Justice & Advocacy Coordinator 

Harsheen Kaur

2nd Year | Criminology 

​Harsheen's legal inspiration for pursuing law stems from her profound belief in the power of legal representation to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. She is dedicated to assisting and advocating for those in need while also upholding justice, equity, and the rule of law.

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Social Justice and Advocacy Coordinator 

Shema Mugisha

2nd Year | Law & Society

Shema, growing up as a black woman, has always been interested in using the law to benefit others. Seeing the injustices that her community faces inspired her to take action. Now that she is pursuing a law profession, she is motivated to speak for individuals who have been silenced and persecuted. Her identity motivates her to fight for justice and equality, and she will not stop until she's made a difference.

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Social Justice & Advocacy Coordinator 

Mariam Lodhi

3rd Year | Law & Society

Mariam’s passion for law is rooted in her father's struggles with the legal system, which inspired her to pursue this path. She recognized early on that the law shapes lives and is committed to helping others, easing hardships, and ensuring justice.

 

As half Pakistani, half Ethiopian, and fluent in five languages, Mariam values cultural diversity in legal practice. Her work as a translator for abused women solidified her commitment to using the law for justice. She is focused on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Immigration law, with a goal of working at the International Criminal Court, and believes empathy is key to effective advocacy.

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Social Justice & Advocacy Coordinator 

Amber King

3rd Year | Law & Society 

Amber’s legal inspiration for pursuing law stemmed from her early interest in the legal system and human rights. Since then, Amber has continued to pursue her passion for law by standing up for those who face injustice in society, and who lost their voice to the legal system. Amber enjoys studying case law and the Charter to expand her knowledge of current and relevant social/ legal issues to help advocate for others and their rights. 

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Podcast Host & Editor 

Anita Afraz

3rd Year | Marketing 

​Anita's legal inspiration stems from her upbringing in two different countries. Through her exposure to different socioeconomic climates, she learned the value of understanding different perspectives and the importance of inclusivity. In particular, Anita was drawn to the intricate workings of corporations and how they can influence society. This fascination inspired her to pursue a career in corporate law, where she hopes to leverage her skills to promote ethical practices and innovation within corporate environments.

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Vice President of Podcast

Susu Beheiry

3rd Year | Psychology Major & English Minor

​Susu is interested in human rights and wants the WILA podcast to be the voice for marginalized groups. Systemic xenophobia within laws, inconsideration to mental health, and prejudice against race, gender, and sexuality are issues Susu seeks to combat.

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Podcast Host and Coordinator

Rubaljeet Kaur

2nd Year | Accounting 

​Rubaljeet's legal inspiration stems from the extraordinary women in her life, spanning generations from her mother to her grandmother. Through their experiences with partition and traditional norms, she has witnessed their resilience amidst struggle. Their untold stories drive her to host a podcast, illuminating the overlooked narratives of women and advocating for legal justice, blending her passion for storytelling with her expertise in numbers.

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Vice President of Student Experience and Success 

Neelab Noory

4th Year | Political Science 

​Neelab, as a woman pursuing law, finds her legal inspiration deeply rooted in a passion for justice and equality, fueled by her strong desire to stand up for marginalized individuals and make a meaningful impact in the world. Her daily inspiration comes from her parents, who embody values of integrity, compassion, and resilience, shaping her commitment to advocacy. This drive is also influenced by her cultural background, where women often face inequality, violence, and discrimination. Neelab is dedicated to supporting women within her ethnic community and globally, amplifying their stories, and working towards ensuring that every individual's rights are respected. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to creating a more peaceful and happy world where everyone's voices are heard and respected.

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Student Experience and Success Coordinator

Rishika Shrestha

3rd Year | Law & Society

​Rishika finds her inspiration for studying law in her mother, who possesses a strong moral compass and actively works to correct injustices. Her mother's unwavering drive for justice in both her personal and professional life has shown Rishika the critical role that the law plays in establishing social balance. Inspired by her mother's perseverance and advocacy, Rishika is excited to pursue a career in law where she can defend the principles her mother exemplifies and contribute to the creation of an equitable society for all.

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First Year Representative

Kasey Yung

1st Year | Law & Society

Kasey’s legal inspiration for pursuing law is deeply rooted in her belief in justice and a commitment to advocacy. This passion for the legal field is deeply connected to her personal experiences, as she witnessed individuals facing injustice and wrongful convictions due to the erosion of fundamental freedoms in her home country. These experiences have aspired to a strong desire to address and rectify injustice. Kasey is determined to use her skills and knowledge to fight for those who are marginalized or wronged.

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First Year Representative

Chiara Mores 

1st Year | Law & Society

Chiara’s inspiration to pursue law stems from the close friendships she had growing up. Through her friends, Chiara was exposed to a deeper understanding of the injustices that are present in the foster care system and active systemic racism within her school and her community. As a result, Chiara is now dedicated to helping others through legal advocacy to fix unjust institutions in marginalized communities. Chiara’s biggest motivator to pursue her goals is her mother who always taught her to fight for what she believes in and lead with her heart.

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First Year Representative

Alexia Trionfo

1st Year | Criminology 

Alexia’s mother is her greatest inspiration. She is strong, resilient, and incredibly smart. She taught Alexia the importance of being kind to others, and to stand up to injustices. Therefore, with her upbringing, Alexia has developed a passion for helping people. She wants to be a lawyer to help others and become an advocate for justice.

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First Year Representative

Lucille Milan

1st Year | Law & Society

From a young age, Lucille Milan has been determined to pursue a career in criminal law, driven by a profound sense of justice and a desire to help those in need. Her early interest in the field was strengthened through her volunteer work at a mental health foundation and a criminal law firm, where she gained valuable experience advocating for vulnerable individuals and addressing complex legal issues. These experiences have solidified her resolve to pursue law, with the goal of championing fairness and providing a voice for the underserved.

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First Year Representative

Brianna Baldeviso

1st Year | Criminology 

Brianna’s dream to become a lawyer is a reflection of her self-interests and the events she faced growing up into building her personality. Early in her life, her mother who had to deal with the injustices that came with being a women at the workplace was a major source of inspiration to her. Her strength and resistance made her embrace her femininity as well as strive to pursue a life in the justice course. She grew up seeing the legal system in her home country the Philippines as corrupted, and this triggered her to pursue law. She always tries to be the change and constantly working towards the change and making sure that there is justice in the society and the law is doing the right thing.

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First Year Representative

Jasleen Kainth 

1st Year | Law & Society

Jasleen is interested in pursuing law because she believes in advocating for equal rights within her community. Having witnessed discrimination and sexism within the legal field, she hopes to one day become a voice for people who have faced such issues. Jasleen draws a lot of inspiration from the women around her, especially her mother, who are never afraid to stand up against injustice. She is very excited to be a part of this team and to be a voice for those who have been wronged by the system.

The Women in Law Association

Email: womeninlawyu@gmail.com

Address:

York University

McLaughlin College, Room 003

4700 Keele Street, North York, ON  M3J 1P3

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