2024 - 2025 Executive Board
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PRESIDENT
Firdous Khezrian Hometown: Seattle, Washington Classification: Senior Majors: Corporate Communication Major with Minors in Media & Entertainment Industries and Risk Management Area of law interested in: Arbitration, Business, Finance, and Entertainment Law Firdous Khezrian is the first in her family to pursue a career in law. She is the proud daughter of an Afghan refugee and an Iranian immigrant. Raised by strong women, Firdous was inspired to pursue law because of the ways in which she saw the women in her family struggle with lacking the autonomy and power to advocate for themselves. She hopes to become a successful advocate for herself and her community. Firdous has a keen interest in negotiations and representing artists. She hopes to expand on this interest over the course of her career. “At the trial of God, we will ask: why did you allow all this? / And the answer will be an echo: why did you allow all this?” - Ilya Kaminsky, from A City Like a Guillotine Shivers on Its Way to the Neck |
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VICE PRESIDENT
Jazmine Vega Hometown: Denton, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: Government and Race, Indigeneity & Migration Double-Major with a Minor in Italian Area of law interested in: Immigration, Civil/Human Rights Law Jasmine Vega is a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants that own a small restaurant in her hometown. She began working there at the age of 13, learning the definition of hard work and perseverance early on in life. She now aspires to continue the path towards higher education and encourage others along the way. “Si se puede!” |
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SECRETARY
Hannah Garza Hometown: Roma, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: Rhetoric & Writing and International Relations & Global Studies Double-Major Area of law interested in: Immigration and Family Law Hannah Lee Garza, is a sophomore at UT, hoping to pursue law in the fields of immigration and/or family. She loves to involve herself with her community, listening to music, exercising, and reading! “Count your stars." |
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TREASURER
Aashika Ingersal Hometown: Frisco, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: History Major with a Minor in Business Administration and Certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice Area of law interested in: Criminal and Civil Rights Law The daughter of two Indian immigrants, Aashika Ingersal is the first in her family to pursue a legal career. Growing up in a family that found power and safety through the legal system inspired Aashika to enter the field of law. Her background and interest in using the law to advocate for and protect those who have no one else to turn to draw Aashika to criminal justice and human rights law. She hopes to continue expanding her passion and skills in this field throughout her career. "The power of just mercy is that it belongs to the undeserving. It’s when mercy is least expected that it’s most potent—strong enough to break the cycle of victimization and victimhood, retribution and suffering." - Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy |
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SOCIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
Sophia Juarez Hometown: Rockwall, Texas Classification: Senior Majors: Corporate Communication Major Area of law interested in: Business/Corporate and Transactional Law Sophia Juarez is a proud Moody senior studying Corporate Communications. She is a driven, hardworking individual determined to become the first attorney in her family. Sophia is drawn to the organizational structure of corporate law and the essential role that ethics play in corporate governance. In her spare time, she enjoys various hobbies, such as reading fiction books, cooking unique recipes, working out, and exploring new restaurants. As Social Events Coordinator, Sophia is thrilled to unite MWPL members with a uniquely engaging lineup of events this year! “Your great strength is knowing who you are.” – Oscar de la Renta |
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HISTORIAN
Michelle Oh Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Classification: Sophomore Majors: Psychology Major with a Business and Public Policy Minor Area of law interested in: Business/Corporate Law Michelle Oh is a student at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business and Public Policy. As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, Michelle values the importance of education and opportunities. She currently interns at the Transitional Care Clinic, serves as the Associate Director to the Communications Director in Student Government, and works as a research assistant at UT Health San Antonio under the Department of Psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys doing nail art, crocheting fun projects, baking, and napping! "There is nothing scary about naturally talented people, hardworking people are the ones to be afraid of." |
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Harmony Charles Hometown: Sydney, Australia Classification: Senior Majors: Public Relations Major Area of law interested in: Sports Law Harmony Charles is the first in her family to pursue an undergraduate college degree and the first to desire a career in law. With her family from Australia, Harmony had the privilege of growing up in both Australia and China for 11 years before moving to the United States for college. She hopes to become a successful advocate for herself and her family. Harmony has a keen interest in athletic contracts and representing female athletes. She hopes to expand on this passion over the course of her career. “Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t pretend that you do and at some point you will.” - Venus William |
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MENTORSHIP PROGRAM CO-DIRECTOR
Ivanna Rodriguez Hometown: McAllen, Texas Classification: Senior Majors: Government and Youth & Community Studies Double-Major Area of law interested in: Family and Immigration Law Ivanna is a junior double-majoring in Government and Youth & Community Studies from McAllen, Texas. As a first-generation student from the Rio Grande Valley, she is motivated to give back to her community and hopes to open up her own law firm or work as a judge. In her free time, she enjoys watching films, going to new places with friends, and reading. “Life will always guide you, you just have to walk.” |
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MENTORSHIP PROGRAM CO-DIRECTOR
Vanesa Figueroa Hometown: Spring, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: Social Work Major Area of law interested in: Family Law Hi everyone! My name is Vanesa Figueroa, and I am a third-year Social Work major. I am very passionate about advocating for children, which is why I want to pursue Family Law. My inspiration for this specific legal practice comes from personal experience on the other side of a system where I lacked advocacy. I truly believe that everyone, regardless of age, race, etc., deserves to be heard. Outside of MWPL, I love hanging out with friends and family, playing on UT’s ultimate frisbee team, and spending sunny days reading. I am thrilled to serve as your Mentorship Co-Director for the upcoming school year! “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” -Ruth Bader Ginsberg |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Jessi Gutierrez Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico Classification: Junior Majors: Government Major with a Minor Business and Public Policy Area of law interested in: Corporate Law Jessi Gutierrez is an aspiring first-generation law student. She grew up in a small border town where opportunity and resources are limited. She was inspired to pursue law to be an advocate for the those who don't have the ability to speak up for themselves. As a woman of color she hopes continue to break down barriers in the legal field and make a difference in the available opportunities for other women. Jessi has interests in corporate and government affairs. She hopes to explore her interests throughout her journey. "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. Yet, without a concerted push for equal justice, we risk falling into the trap of perpetuating inequality." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg |
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PHILANTHROPY COORDINATOR
Abby Greenlee Hometown: Kunming, China Classification: Junior Majors: International Relations Major with Minor in Asian Studies Area of law interested in: International and Corporate Litigation Abby Greenlee was raised in Kunming, China, and relocated to the United States in 2020. Her experience living in two countries with significant differences sparked her interest in international relations and the interconnectedness of the world. Eager to explore global affairs further, she aspires to pursue a career in international law to deepen her understanding of the world. “Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.” -Lao Tzu |
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LSAT PREPARATION COORDINATOR
Abril Domniguez-Baca Hometown: Dallas, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: Government Major with a Minor in Mexican American and Latina/o Studies Area of law interested in: Human Rights and Immigration Law Abril Dominguez, the eldest daughter of two Mexican immigrants, is the first in her family to pursue an education in the United States. Her childhood interest in politics fuels her pursuit of legal education, as she has witnessed how policy directly impacts her parents' and family's well-being. Abril aspires to become an immigration attorney, dedicated to addressing the injustices her parents and community face. Her passion for human rights will continue to be a guiding pillar in her journey. “To lose and love and still be kind.” - Warsan Shire |
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CO-RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR
Ariel Hernandez Hometown: Eastland, Texas Classification: Junior Majors: Government Major with a Minor in Business Area of law interested in: Business/Corporate, Criminal and Immigration Law Ariel is a 2nd year student studying business. Besides MWPl, she is involved in Alpha Phi and Texas Lady Lifters. She loves working out, specifically strength training, and anything to do with arts and crafts. She is so excited to fulfill her role as Creative Director and see everyone rep MWPL proudly! “After the bad, comes good.” |
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CO-RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR
Melanie Garza Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas Classification: Sophomore Majors: Government Major with a Minor in Professional Sales & Business Development Area of law interested in: Open to any field Melanie Garza is a sophomore Government major and the first in her family to pursue a career in the legal field. She is passionate about advocacy work and enjoys using her voice to uplift others. She is especially passionate about female advocacy and appreciates any opportunity to empower herself and her peers. Driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the legal profession, she is currently exploring different areas of law and is interested in opportunities that expand her knowledge of various legal fields. In her free time, Melanie enjoys reading, spending time with family, and exploring Austin with friends. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door” |
