FGLP Scholars (Cohort 2, 3rd Year)

Aneesa is a Palestinian American first-generation college student. She is attending DePaul University for her political science undergraduate degree and has a deep love for English. Aneesa believes literature and law are powerful tools that ignite a need for change in our society. Through her own poems and short stories, she intends to use literature to unite people. She finds herself writing about themes of achieving social justice and combating inequality in education. Aneesa also has great interest in law! Through a law degree, Aneesa wants to transform communities impacted by systemic issues and oppressive social constructs. Her goal is to reconstruct under-resourced communities and their relationship with law by making it fairer and just. 

Education: DePaul University

Email: aneesaalamleh@gmail.com

Hello my name is Leslie Cardona! I am an undergraduate at DePaul university and I’m majoring in Political Science. I am a Mexican-American first generation college student. My plans after graduating with my undergraduate degree are to attend law school to become a lawyer. I’m interested in going into the field of immigration law or corporate law. My passion for law grew intensely after being a part of a Mock trial for my AP government class in senior year. My freshmen year at DePaul I was able to join the Women of ColorPre-Law Association (WOCA) club and hope to join the Mock trial this upcoming year. My dedication and hard work to become a successful lawyer comes from watching my parents hard work to be able to give their children a better education and life.

Education: DePaul University 

Email: lesliedcardona@gmail.com

Jazmin is a rising junior attending DePaul University and is double majoring in criminology and sociology with a minor in public law / political thought with a pre-professional program of pre-law. Jazmin comes from an immigrant family, which has only elevated her passion for law. Jazmin states, “I saw how important justice was when my mother was fighting for her legal residency to be in the United States.” From this Jazmin realized that she wants to fight for justice for those who do not have a voice and break stereotypes of minorities by becoming a lawyer. Jazmin strives to achieve the satisfaction of knowing that she made a difference and created a positive impact on her community. She looks forward to working in positions for her community such as a representative or working for a non-profit organization. Jazmin is very excited to learn skills in undergrad and law school that will prepare her for the world and allow her to change many people’s lives for the better. 

Education: DePaul University 

Email: coronajazmin1717@gmail.com

Marlen is a rising third year at DePaul University majoring in Criminology and English. Currently, she is interested in Immigration or Business Law. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with animals, reading, writing, and walking through Chicago. In particular, she loves interacting with Chicago's immigrant communities. Immigrants’ stories and resilience is something that truly inspires her. Immigrants are the stepping stone to a stronger America in her eyes. Despite this, she has noticed that immigrant neighborhoods are often stereotyped as crime ridden, which is not true. A career in law had always sparked her interest and learning about these communities has only fueled this motivation. She hopes to be an advocate for these communities. 

Education: DePaul University

Email: diazmarlen2004@gmail.com

Luz Fajardo is a first-generation college student at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in Law and Public Policy. She was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents and plans to return to the city after completing her undergraduate degree to attend law school. Luz has always had a passion for learning about the law and how it can be used to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. As a first-generation Mexican American, Luz has witnessed firsthand how the legal system often fails historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. These lived experiences have shaped her deep interest in immigration, juvenile justice, and family law, where she hopes to create meaningful change. Luz recognizes the privilege of receiving an education, knowing that many of her peers and close friends have not had the same access. She is committed to using the opportunities and resources she has been given to uplift her community, which has given her so much in return. Luz is driven by the belief that the legal system must do better, and she hopes to be a part of the change by creating a lasting impact, especially in the lives of youth and underserved communities.

Education: Northeastern University 

Email: lafajardo90@gmail.com

Shayla is attending DePaul for her undergraduate degree majoring in political science and is looking forward to volunteering in events and organizations. Shayla gained her love for political science in high school during her interactive government class, in which she took upon a leadership role and studied laws and the history surrounding politics. Her love for politics is what has driven her to pursue a law degree after she completes her undergrad schooling. Shayla also has a love for her community and strives to make an impact on people’s lives through law and politics. She wants to bring happiness to families and disown the stereotypes that many young kids are put through such as herself. Shayla is ready to learn and gain the amazing experiences in law and politics that will shape her as a future leader.  

Education: DePaul University 

Email: Shaylahdz09@gmail.com

I am a third-year student at the University of Chicago, where I am attending on the QuestBridge full scholarship. I am majoring in Human Rights and Economics with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. I am excited to pursue a career in Human Rights and Civil Rights law, and I look forward to expanding my passion for legal change with FGLP.

My background as a first-generation college student and Mexican child of immigrants has deeply shaped my passion for law and policy change. That is why I am currently interning with the Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) nonprofit, where I have expanded my public policy and community organizing skills. By working alongside parent, community, and political leaders to deliver and expand access to needed services, I have learned how legal and policy change can be implemented through grassroots organizing.

During my undergraduate studies at UChicago, I have served in the Undergraduate Student Government as a Community Service Fund committee member and as the Vice President of the New Americans student organization.

Education: University of Chicago 

Email: erikamora@uchicago.edu

Hello! My name is Hajera, and I am completing my second year of undergrad. I attended Harper College and will transfer in fall 2025 to either the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or the University of Michigan to continue my political science major. I aspire to become a lawyer focused on policy and legislation, advocating for communities facing significant challenges. At Harper, I served on the Honors Program board and competed on the Speech and Debate Team to strengthen my communication and leadership skills. I also interned in a congressional office, gaining hands-on experience in addressing real-world issues and crafting solutions for constituents. These experiences only reinforced my understanding of public service and policymaking. As I move forward, I look forward to expanding my skills and preparing for law school, with the goal of creating a more unified society through legislative advocacy.

Education: Harper College 

Email: qshajo@gmail.com

Alejandro Ramirez is a Political Science major at Northern Illinois University, pursuing minors in Spanish and Nonprofit Studies. With a strong interest in law and public service, Alejandro brings experience in both legal preparation and political outreach. He has competed with the NIU Mock Trial team in university-level tournaments, honing skills in litigation, public speaking, and legal analysis. Alejandro also contributed to the DeKalb mayoral campaign of Alderman John Walker, focusing on social media strategy and community outreach. His academic focus and hands-on experience reflect a deep commitment to civic engagement and advocacy. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Alejandro finds balance through hiking and time in nature. He is committed to a future in law, with a long-term goal of promoting equity and justice through public service.

Education: Northern Illinois University

Email: aramirez1@evanstonscholars.org

Annabelle is a student at Depaul University in the 3+3 Program as a Criminology major. She is most excited to learn more about criminology, criminal justice, and law in general due to her genuine passion for the justice system. Annabelle enjoys learning about subjects that actively impact others because she wants to learn different ways to fix prominent issues within the justice system. Annabelle is Assyrian and is excited to earn a law degree as it would be a great achievement since her parents were unable to attend college due to war. Annabelle wants to take real action in the world and make positive changes in people’s lives. This is of importance to her because she hopes to be the relief that people need and the assistance that others deserve in order for justice to be rightfully served. Being a leader is an essential part of Annabelle’s character because not only can she help others, but she can help others accomplish their goals. She hopes to one day leave her mark in the law field. 

Education: DePaul University 

Email: annabelletouma2@gmail.com