Meet The Team

Rebecca finds legal inspiration in Mia Amor Mottley due to her commitment to bringing about social justice and legal reform in her country. Mia inspires Rebecca to be the best she can be and perform to her highest abilities to accomplish the same.

Diya's inspiration for pursuing law stems from her desire to have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives through the law. She aspires to advocate for the underrepresented and ensure their voices are heard through the legal system. Her strong sense of equity and justice serves as a daily motivation to strive for the change they wish to see in society.

Uyiosa Eweka, a third-year criminology major at York University, is deeply inspired to become a lawyer due to her commitment to addressing critical issues such as discrimination, unlawful killings, and systemic injustice. Her passion for understanding these complexities drives her to advocate for fairness and human dignity. Her legal inspirations are Christian lawyers like Bryan Stevenson, who fights for racial justice and the wrongfully convicted, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Uyiosa aims to use the legal profession as a platform to challenge injustice and protect the vulnerable. An avid reader, music lover, and enthusiastic debater, she channels her interests in law, politics, faith, and the environment into meaningful insights. Through her studies and personal pursuits, Uyiosa strives to blend knowledge with compassion, making a positive impact on those around her and ensuring justice is accessible to all, not just the privileged few.

Olivia Rossi, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student specializing in management, has admired the dignified profession of law since she was young. Olivia is inspired by the profession's efforts to support those in need while protecting their human rights. Olivia is driven to apply what she has learned and will continue to learn as she pursues a career in law to contribute to a more equitable society. Olivia is a motivated woman with a keen eye for detail. She has extensive experience studying and working in fast-paced professional environments and possesses good communication and organizational abilities, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

In highschool Caleb always had a strong belief in doing my best for myself, but slowly as he inched closer to his final year in highschool he came to realize that he enjoyed helping people find a reason to smile that much more. This deeply rooted mindset and curiosity in challenging the way others think about helping those who struggle in helping themselves soon became a passion for law and using debate to bring about a sense of principle to those around him. Using those communication and leadership skills, Caleb looks forward to continuing to find ways to help where he can but now a legal and social justice in mind. Overall, being the role model that he wanted to see in his community that would show others that they could have an impact on society and reach greatness no matter their origins, is what Caleb hopes to achieve here at LANDS.

Growing up as the child of immigrants, Laiba has always been acutely aware of the challenges faced by those navigating a new life in an unfamiliar country. Witnessing her parents work tirelessly to build a better life for her and her siblings instilled a strong motivation in her to strive for excellence in all she does, and made her realize early on that she wanted to give back to her community and help others like her parents. Laiba is committed to becoming a lawyer not just for herself, but to be a voice for those who feel unheard. Her experiences have taught her that the legal system can be daunting, especially for marginalized communities. She wants to advocate for their rights and ensure that everyone has access to fair representation and do her best to make sure justice is served. As a strong believer of God, he is just and fair, possessor of justice and fairness, from eternity to eternity. Laiba wants to carry on God’s work and do everything in her power to help people get the justice they deserve, and empower others through knowledge, empathy and support, just as her parents empowered her through their unwavering dedication.

Though Elizabeth’s primary focus has been studying law during her time at York University, she is eager to incorporate art back into her professional life! As of now, she is focused on taking greater roles and becoming more involved as a student in the LASO program. Elizabeth is thrilled to be given the chance to apply her artistic and creative abilities, which she acquired throughout secondary school as an art student! She intends to pursue a career in the legal field by making connections and gaining hands-on experience during her studies.

Joel’s inspiration for the law stems from witnessing individuals facing profound challenges within societal structures. Inspired by stories of those who have overcome injustice, he is drawn to fields such as corporate, civil, and medical law. Motivated by the resilience of those navigating systemic challenges, Joel is committed to justice, equality and admires those who advocate for the underrepresented, and aims to use the law to transform society for the better. He sees law as a pathway to make a meaningful impact, ensuring equity and justice prevail.

Aaron Patrick Michael Grant is currently an undergraduate student at
York University who is studying Sociology. Aaron is am mixed race with my main background being
Jamaican but also including Indian, French, Scottish, Cuban, Canadian and more. He was
born in Canada on May 17th, 2005 at St Joseph Hospital. Aaron has his Mom, Renee and Dad
Patrick, who are from Jamaica, an older brother named Kristoff, an older sister named
Priscilla, and a younger brother named Isaiah. Aaron has made the Honor roll multiple times and
Valedictorian two times throughout my years in schooling so far. He is also helping a startup
clothing line. Aaron has played almost every sport in the world with his favourites being
basketball, volleyball, and football (soccer). He likes to be outside the house and be active and he
loves talking to new people and socializing. Aaron is currently pursuing a career in becoming a
lawyer and will attend law school in the coming years. He is still deciding on which fields of
law to pursue, but the fields he am most interested in are corporate, sports, and real estate
law. Being able to communicate with people and help people has always been a passion of
his, and by becoming a lawyer, Aaron will be able to practise both as a career.

Laiba is a second-year Neuroscience major. She loves all things psychology and math-related, but her special interest lies in the world of medical law and ethics. The intersection of science, advocacy and ethics in the world of healthcare is a field largely talked about but relatively unexplored, which Laiba hopes to further dive into as an Executive here at LANDS. Laiba enjoys cooking (and eating) cuisines from all over the globe & cafe hopping with her friends on the weekends. Laiba spends a lot of her free time writing poetry, reading all sorts of fiction and watching occasional true crime documentaries, which only seems to strengthen her passion for medical law! 

Harlin is a third-year Law and Society student. She is driven by a deep passion for understanding the intricacies of our legal system. Harlin loves to read books and watch Netflix. She also really enjoys eating out and going hiking. Harlin's sights are set on law school, where she plans to specialize in corporate law. Harlin is fascinated by the challenges and opportunities within the corporate world and eager to make my mark. Harlin is committed to building a strong foundation through my studies and extracurricular activities. She looks forward to contributing to the field of corporate law. 

Theresa is a first-year Law and Society major, and is excited to attend York University this fall! A little about Theresa is that she was born and raised in Nigeria, she is bilingual, and enjoys crocheting and playing badminton in her free time. Despite living in Canada for 5 years, Theresa has never explored Toronto, so she is eager to begin this journey with everyone. Theresa is looking forward to serving the community as a First-Year Representative and working together with LANDS.

Babatunde Oyindolapo Abisola is a first-year student in the Law and Society program at York University. She is excited to serve and represent the voices of all first-year students this year. Having recently moved to Canada, Oyindolapo understands the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, and she wants to help make this transition easier for everyone. Oyindolapo believes in open communication, teamwork, and creating a welcoming community for all. Her goal is to make our first year engaging, inclusive, and full of opportunities. Oyindolapo is committed to listening to your concerns and bringing your ideas forward. Oyindolapo wants to make this year memorable and successful.

Abeera is a first-year BBA student who hopes to become a lawyer in the future.  She plans to combine her love of finance and law into a rewarding career where she can make meaningful change.  As a child, Abeera witnessed the difficulties faced by people in her community who struggled to navigate the legal system due to language barriers and systemic challenges.  This inspired her to pursue a career in law.  She aims to create positive change in the legal field, both for underserved communities and for emerging lawyers of colour.  Her inspirations include Stacey Abrams, Mehdi Hasan, and Lina Khan.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and playing basketball.

Theresa Thabet-Elias is a first-year student in the Criminology undergraduate program at York University. Theresa loves listening to music, watching movies (especially horror movies), and reading books!! She is very passionate about Canadian politics and loves encouraging other youth to get involved, too. Theresa's goal is to become a lawyer one day and keep advocating for civic engagement wherever she can. She is really excited to be a first-year representative with LANDS this year.

Khushi Kheira is entering her first year within the Law and Society undergraduate program at York University. Khushi has always been really passionate about reading and researching ongoing world issues, which led her to discover her interest in law. Khushi aspires to become a lawyer and advocate for those who are unable to speak up for themselves.

Anna is a first-year student at York University, majoring in Law and Society. Anna is interested in the legal field and is excited to learn more along the way with her education and experience with LANDS. Anna is currently interested in the different types of Law, specifically divorce and employment. Some fun facts about me are that she has a cat, is the oldest child with a younger sister and has been picking up on journaling recently. Anna is looking forward to meeting everyone and the team, making the most out of her first year at York University! 

Priya is a first-year Psychology student at York University with a strong interest in law and social issues. Priya has professional experience in education and leadership through roles such as Supervisor, Lead RECE, and Teacher, as well as community outreach and campus involvement. Her major skills include communication, organization, and digital content creation. Outside academics, Priya enjoys photography, philosophical reading, and anime merchandise collecting. Priya's long-term goal is to pursue law school and work at the intersection of law, ethics, and community impact. She is excited to contribute to LANDS as a First-Year Representative.

Jonfranco is a second-year Law & Society student at York University. Throughout his years at York, he plans to double major in Law & Society and Criminology while also receiving a Public Administration & Law certificate. Pursuant to his graduation in 2028, Jonfranco plans to attend law school or become a paralegal. Generally speaking, however, he have aspirations of one day being employed in the legal field with a role that can impact the lives of the many hard-working people of Toronto. As for LANDS, he plan to use his role as a First Year Representative to benefit all students at York, especially those involved with the association. He thoroughly enjoy connecting (both online and on LinkedIn) and having meaningful conversations with like-minded people and am always open to listening to new ideas, perspectives and opinions. Outside of academics, he loves watching and playing various sports, especially soccer, football and basketball. Jonfranco a big statistics nerd in sports and love rationing who is better than who. 

Dennis Branopolski is a third-year student at the Schulich School of Business, specializing in finance. Dennis grew up in Richmond Hill and played tennis competitively until university. His passions and hobbies include giving back to my community and playing tennis recreationally. Dennis is currently interning as an investment banking analyst at a mid-market firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Ultimately, Dennis aspires to pursue a career in corporate law.

Samar Abdulgafar is a third-year York University student studying criminology. Samar
has a strong interest in social policy, justice, and law. He has gained research and analytical abilities
from his classes that have improved his knowledge of the connection between social structures and
legal systems. Samar currently works at Home Depot as a Lumber Sales Associate. In addition to his
education, he has improved his leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. In his former
position as a supervisor at Canada's Wonderland, he supervised a staff of more than twenty workers in
addition to serving as an administrative assistant who helped with scheduling, record-keeping, and
operating paperwork. In this role, Samar strengthened his organization and attention to detail skills by
receiving practical experience managing staff schedules, updating reports, and maintaining accurate
files using Microsoft Word and Excel.
As a Charity Coordinator for the York University Muslim Students Association on campus, he plans
community outreach programs and fundraising campaigns to encourage student involvement and
social responsibility. Additionally, Samar helped York Event Support with convocation, making sure all of
the university ceremonies ran smoothly.
Samar is excited to apply his attention to detail and organizational abilities to his new position with the
Law and Society Association as an administrative assistant. In line with the Association's objective,
Samar is excited to support the team's administrative operations and foster a collaborative environment.
Eventually, Samar wants to go to law school and work in a field that emphasizes advocacy, justice, and
constructive social change.

Mai is currently a Law and Society student who recently joined LANDS as an Administrative Assistant. As an aspiring legal professional, her ultimate goal is to get involved in campus initiatives, meet like-minded people, and learn more about the diversity of the legal field. A little fun fact about her is that her favourite travel destination was Amsterdam, and she is most looking forward to travelling to South America one day.

​Kimberly's pursuit of her journey into the legal field is related to stepping into the forefront of justice, where every word spoken and every action taken holds the power to shape the course of society. Her inspiration comes from her immigration process and how difficult it was going through that process of calling Canada her new home. Through studying law, she gets the honor of becoming an advocate for inclusion, justice, and the promise of a new beginning for all who call Canada home. It gives Kimberly an opportunity to defend the vulnerable, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact on the foundations of society.

Santiago knew from a young age that the world is often unfair. Growing up in Mexico, he was aware of rampant corruption in legal systems and government. This awareness fueled his passion for justice and sparked his desire to pursue a law career since grade 5. Moving to Canada in 2017, he found support and inspiration from individuals, including his uncle-in-law, Karmel Sakran, who immigrated from a third-world country and established his own law firm. Recognizing that the Canadian legal system, though better than Mexico's, is still imperfect, Santiago is driven to make a positive impact. Motivated by his experiences with corruption, his interest in complex systems, and the inspiration from family, he envisions becoming a successful attorney who makes a lasting positive impact in the legal world.

Noah Richards graduated from Ajax High School in the Durham Region with notable achievements as President of my school’s Black Education Student Team, President of Debate Club, a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Canadian and International Law Award, and a 4 time Honour Roll student. Outside of academics, his hobbies are cooking (and eating), playing video games with friends and family, going to the gym, and simply unwinding by binging on TV and watching movies. His inspiration for entering the legal field was to ensure that within a society that often judges him on the colour of his skin rather than the content of his character, he must remain informed of his rights and be able to protect himself and those I care about from prejudice and discrimination. Noah also plans to work and be able to provide for his family and give back to his community in any way he can.

Julian is a third-year law and society student at York University who one day hopes to become a lawyer. His desire to work in the legal field is inspired by his interest and passion for upholding the rights and freedoms that every individual deserves. When looking at the world today, Julian notices one filled with inequalities and mistreatment towards many different people. He is deeply motivated to advocate for those mistreated within society and exemplifies this through his deep interest in the legal profession. Julian is inspired knowing that through his involvement within the legal system, he might one day have the opportunity to make the world a better and more equal place for all. 

Justin Chang enjoys looking for his inspiration wherever he can find it because he finds that there’s a bit of everything involved in law; he’s been inspired by the books he’s read, the news he’s watched, the traditions he celebrates, and even the music he listens to. Even the sentiments he holds towards small things, whether law-related or not, have long had a role in cultivating the value he places on fair, reasonable, and rational judgment and upon individual and civil liberty.

Belal Abdul is currently a student at York University with a strong interest in law, finance, and public policy. Belal has experience managing budgets, working with student organizations, and communicating effectively with diverse teams. He is passionate about contributing to student life and ensuring that resources are used responsibly and transparently. Outside of academics, Belal enjoys working out, playing basketball, etc. Belal is looking forward to collaborating with the LANDS team to make this a great year.

Sujeevan Murugavel is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Commerce program at York University, majoring in Accounting. Sujeevan recently joined the LANDS team as the Finance Coordinator because he was drawn to the team’s positive energy and saw it as a great opportunity to gain valuable experience. With previous experience managing finances in past jobs, he brings strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills to the table.

Sujeevan is comfortable working with Excel and stays organized using a planning board to complete tasks efficiently and ahead of deadlines. His goal this year is to support the LANDS team by maintaining clear and accurate financial records, helping plan budgets, and ensuring the events and initiatives are financially well-supported. Sujeevan enjoy being part of a team where he can both learn from others and share meaningful experiences. In the long run, he hopes to earn his CPA designation and pursue a career in accounting. Outside of academics, Sujeevan is a big fan of sports like soccer, basketball, and UFC, and he enjoys listening to artists like J. Cole and Mac Miller.

​Dev, as a finance student, appreciates law for its critical role in shaping the business environment and ensuring fair play in the market. Understanding legal principles enables him to navigate regulatory frameworks effectively and safeguard financial interests. His legal inspiration is Justice Elena Kagan, whose background in administrative law and former role as Solicitor General provides deep insights into the interaction between law and economics. Her ability to articulate complex legal and financial principles clearly and persuasively makes her an exemplary figure for someone with Dev's academic interests.

Parteek’s legal inspiration is shaped by the struggles and hardships faced by immigrants, and other underprivileged communities. As a first generation Canadian, she noticed that she, and others faced unique barriers when it came to their education, and in other similar environments. This was because of aspects of their social identity such as race, gender, and class. Throughout highschool and university, becoming engaged with law, increased Parteek’s knowledge in regards to her rights and privileges. Parteek hopes to become an advocate for those you do not have a voice, and intends to help those who are underprivileged

Navpreet Minhas is currently entering her second year at Schulich this September. Navpreet is working toward a career in corporate law and is eager to join LANDS for its mentorship, networking, and unique events that offer real insight into law school and the legal field. As your new External Relations Coordinator, she is looking forward to building strong partnerships and creating meaningful connections for the club. On a more personal note, Navpreet enjoys meeting new people, hiking, and attempting to cook. Navpreet is excited to be part of the LANDS community, and looks forward to making this a successful and memorable year. 

Palvi Chahal is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at the Schulich School of Business. Palvi is really interested in the intersection of business, advocacy, and law, and loves using her communication and outreach skills to build strong connections. Palvi has gained experience in corporate outreach, event planning, and sponsorship through roles in school clubs and community work. She is also always looking to grow her leadership and professional skills. Outside of school, Palvi enjoys shopping, going to the gym, and spending time with her friends and family. Palvii is really excited to be joining the LANDS team as an External Relations Coordinator and can’t wait for everything LANDS will accomplish this year!

Shember Malhi is a Criminology student at York University with a strong interest in law, policy, and the justice system. He is passionate about understanding how legal frameworks shape society and about making legal knowledge more accessible to students. Through his involvement in the Law Club, Shember aims to help create opportunities for students to learn, connect, and explore their interests in the legal field.

Simran is a fourth-year Political Science student at York University. Simran is thrilled to be an External Relations Associate for LANDS. She looks forward to helping build strong partnerships and contributing to meaningful events. She is excited to contribute to the team and connect with others throughout the year.

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. Her 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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Janan is currently entering his fourth year at the Law & Society honours program at York University. This interdisciplinary field examines law's relation to social science subjects, including sociology, political theory, and philosophy of law. Janan is also pursuing a professional certificate in Public Administration and Law. Janan is interested in learning topics like Canadian constitutionalism from SCC cases, legal jurisprudence, and human rights activism. He aspires to become a student at Osgoode Hall Law School and practice as a constitutional lawyer in the GTA..

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.

Marina is currently entering her fourth year as a Communications and Media Studies major! Marina is passionate about international politics and law. She hopes to attend York University for her master's in communications and culture after the upcoming. When she is finally done with school, Marina aims to work in political journalism as a career!

Sijana is a third-year Law and Society student at York University. Sijana has a strong interest in how legal systems shape and influence everyday life. Her goal is to pursue a career in law to advocate for positive social change. She is passionate about justice and making a meaningful impact through legal work. In her free time, Sijana enjoys writing, travelling, and going on long road trips.

As a member of multiple historically marginalized groups, Ashvin’s inspiration in law is shaped by his lived experiences. He witnessed his parents’ resilience in the face of bureaucratic hurdles, igniting his desire to ensure underserved voices are heard. Ashvin is currently enrolled in the Concurrent Education program, aiming to foster change for youth of marginalized backgrounds. He strives to use his knowledge to advance inclusivity, instilling equitable principles in his work.

Arman Golshani is a second-year undergraduate student at York University, pursuing an Honours BA in Economics with plans to attend law school. He has a longstanding interest in international relations and global economic affairs, which he enjoys integrating into his academic work and future career plans. Passionate about research and academia, he is excited to join the LANDS editorial team as an Associate Editor.

Rida is a first-year student in the Law and Society program. She aspires to pursue a career in law for reasons other than passion. Although she is incredibly passionate about the subject, Rida hopes that by becoming a lawyer, she is able to combat and eliminate the discrimination that women in law experience at the hands of society. More specifically, she hopes that she is able to eliminate the controversy that South Asian women in law face from within their own communities.