WCL BLSA Receives Chapter of the Year Award
March 22, 2019
American University Washington College of Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) was awarded 2019 Chapter of the Year by the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Student Association (“MABLSA”). The award was given out at the gala that was the culmination of MABLSA’s 51st Annual Regional Convention held in Annapolis Maryland Feb. 6-10. This distinguished award compares local BLSA chapters of law schools in the region and as based on membership size recognizes local chapters who have demonstrated a commitment to community outreach/pro bono, advocacy, pre-law student relations, regional programming, international relations, alumni relations, and collaborations with local student organizations/chapters.
In addition, the regional BLSA chapter leadership elected WCL’s BLSA President Haley Magwood ’20 as the 2019-2020 Regional Chair for the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association.
“These awards not only exemplify the success of Washington College of Law’s BLSA chapter this past academic year, but the dedication and passion of the BLSA Executive Board, and serve to reflect Washington College of Law’s commitment to supporting black and minority students in the legal profession,” said AUWCL’s BLSA Chapter leadership.
"Truthfully, I was hesitant when applying to the position – there is always a level of doubt in our abilities when it comes to taking on big tasks,” Magwood said of applying for the position of regional chair. “My peers and family helped reassure me about what I had accomplished on WCL’s campus and the level of leadership I brought to the table to realize that it was just fear preventing my success. So, I would not be here had it not been for them! I am excited about being the incoming Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair. I see it as an opportunity to serve my community and I am eager to help chapters foster relationships amongst each other and continue to help produce leading black and minority lawyers.”
The February MABLSA Convention brought together student leaders from 28 active BLSA Chapters, legal practitioners, and supporters from the Mid-Atlantic region. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a host of events including plenary sessions, panel discussions, professional workshops, a career fair, and the National Black Law Students Association's Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition and Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition, in which Princesse Mabiala ’20 and India James-Flemister ’19 participated.
2018-2019 WCL BLSA Executive Board
President: Haley Magwood
Vice President: Darianne De Leon
Treasurer: Andrea Rivers
Historian: Kiara Ortiz
Secretary: Valérie Cambronne
Chief of Staff: Omorose Eguakun
Public Relations: Kristen Canales
Co-Directors of BLSA Mentorship Program: Jazmyne Arnette and Maya Jefferson
Director of Events and Programming: Virgina Albert
Director of Social Activities: Gloria Walker
Director of Community Service: Leon Stern
Director of Social Advocacy and Community Affairs: Yousra Elkhalifa
Director of National and Regional Outreach/ Faculty and Alumni: Austyn Adams