FGLP Scholars (2nd 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 more fair 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 sophmore attending DePaul University and is majoring in criminal law 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 Diaz is currently an undergraduate student at DePaul University with a double majoring in Criminology and English. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with animals, cooking, reading and exploring Chicago. Exploring Chicago’s immigrant neighborhoods is something she especially enjoys. She is extremely moved by immigrants’ stories and resilience. She strongly believes immigrants have and always will be the steppingstone to a stronger America. However, she has noticed that immigrant neighborhoods are often stereotyped as crime ridden and drained of resources. Additionally, her first year at DePaul, has informed her more about the misperceptions of immigrants and crime. A career in law had always sparked her interest and learning about these communities has only fueled this motivation. Currently, she is leaning towards immigration law and hopes by becoming an immigration attorney, she will be better advocate for immigrants. 

Education: DePaul University

Email: diazmarlen2004@gmail.com

Luz grew up in the south side of Chicago and witnessed a lot of violence and injustice within her community. From this Luz formed a passion for law and helping those who have to fight for the little that they have and provide opportunities for those who have not been given them. Luz is attending Northeastern University in Boston and is majoring in criminal justice and psychology. She plans on attending law school in Chicago after graduating from Northeastern and working in the juvenile court as a public defender after achieving her law degree. Luz is extremely interested in psychology as it will allow her to understand why many young adults and kids may be confused about the environment they are in. This will allow her to understand the feelings of those in underprivileged positions and give her the motive to help those obtain the resources they need to succeed from a law position. Luz is tired of the law system consistently failing those who don’t have opportunities and is looking to change that and create a major impact on communities, especially young adults/kids.  

Education: Northeatern 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

Erika is a first generation college student attending the University of Chicago on a full-ride scholarship. She is studying mathematics and law, letters, and society, while planning on attending law school in the city after she achieves her undergraduate degree. Erika is very family orientated and cherishes the sacrifices her parents have gone through to get her where she is today. Her interest in law especially relating to immigration and politics stems from her love for her parents and the dream that one day she can gift them a way back to Mexico so they can be with their parents as well. Erika’s father immigrated here when he was 16 and from that she realized how hard it must have been to leave your family behind to pursue a better opportunity. From this Erika’s passion in law escalated and she has been active in the political law scene since she was little. For example, translating any new immigration law to her parents and having to give them the good or bad news that impacted there family. Erika’s passion is only growing day by day and one day she hopes to work in D.C and create a major impact on bettering immigrant’s lives. 

Education: University of Chicago 

Email: erikamora3104@gmail.com

I am a sophomore at Harper College, majoring in Political Science and am an active member in the honors program. My ambition to pursue a career in law was sparked when I shadowed at my cousin’s law firm in New Jersey, where I was inspired by their positive societal impact and engaging environment she created with all the other attorneys. I’ve also had the honor of interning at congressional offices that allowed me to gain multiple insights on understanding real-world issues and formulating effective solutions for constituents. Working with different staffers on their specific area of expertise has deepened my knowledge of all the issues we address in the office and what we see a lot in the real world. As a future lawyer, my goal is to support communities facing significant challenges and advocate for their basic human rights, and strive to build a more unified society. I plan on pushing my own abilities while trying to make differences in the world and the people I’m serving. As I navigate my strengths and weaknesses, I desire to make the lives of other people as trouble-free as possible and continue to be a person who takes a stand for them during difficult times.

Education: Harper College 

Email: qshajo@gmail.com

I’m Alejandro Ramirez, a dedicated college freshman majoring in Political Science with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Eager to build a strong foundation for my legal career, I plan to join my college's mock trial team in my sophomore year, where I’ll develop my litigation skills and gain practical experience.Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking and exploring nature. This passion provides a perfect balance to my studies, instilling perseverance and resilience. With my commitment to justice and  love for the outdoors, I’m poised for a promising future in law and beyond.

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 to 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