CONFERENCE SPONSOR
Thank you to our event sponsor for your support of
PBSC's 2023 National Leadership Conference.
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Knowren Ansari
(she/her)
University of Victoria
Knowren (Noreen) is an incoming 2L student at the University of Victoria. She studied Sociology at Queen’s University and is from Toronto, ON. Throughout her undergrad, she was involved with various community outreach organizations (ex. working with animals, elderly patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and others) as a volunteer, executive, and as the Community Outreach Deputy for Volunteer Support & Appreciation. She became involved with PBSC as the 1L Representative for the uVic Chapter. Knowren loves the outdoors and can be found hiking with her two huskies or sitting by a beach! She is so excited to continue working for PBSC.
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Brooklynn Malec
(she/her)
University of Victoria
Brooklynn Malec (she/her/elle) is a 3L JD student at the University of Victoria and is excited to return to her role as School Year Program Coordinator! She is from Prince Albert, SK (Treaty 6 Territory) and formerly volunteered on PBSC UVic's Trans ID Clinic. PBSC has been the highlight of Brooklynn's law school experience, and she is grateful to be involved again. She also enjoys running, hiking, and exploring Vancouver Island.
Abigail Falk
(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University
Abigail is a third year law student, and returning program coordinator at the TRU chapter. Abigail completed her bachelor (honours) degree in psychology at SFU, and has an interest in criminal and family law. When she's not buried in school work, Abigail enjoys reading fiction, crocheting, and spending time outdoor with her dog.
Alyssa Collins
(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University
Alyssa is a 2L at the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law and has a background in Criminal and Social Justice. She has experience working in Legal Advocacy for Children and Youth, as well as doing Crisis Intervention and Victim Services with the RCMP. Alyssa volunteered with PBSC during her first year, sits on the Board of Directors for Crisis Centre BC, and co-authored a submission to the UN Committee regarding the progress of Canada in the implementation and realization of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Erin Valentine
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Erin Valentine is an incoming 2L student at UBC’s Allard Law. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Erin worked in live performance as a stage manager and festival producer before turning her interest in relationship- building, equity, and advocacy towards pursuing law. Erin has previously volunteered with tax clinics, board governance, and in 1L she was a Project Coordinator for the PBSC-UBC ID Support Clinic. She is excited to continue to work with PBSC and the incredible organizations and volunteers increasing access to justice throughout Vancouver.
Eric Cislak
(he/him)
University of British Columbia
Eric is a student at the Allard School of Law who will be entering 3L in September. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Vancouver after completing his undergrad degree in Neuroscience in pursuit of a new challenge. He firmly believes in the importance of access to justice and the need for more members of the legal profession to assist in ongoing efforts to make the legal system truly accessible. After an amazing experience as a student volunteer working on disability case studies for Inclusion Canada, Eric is thrilled to be one of the Student Coordinators for PBSC's UBC Chapter!
Nana Asante
(he/him)
University of Calgary
Nana is an incoming second year at UCalgary's Faculty of Law. He participated in UCalgary PBSC Chapter's "Hearsay Podcast Project," conducting and recording an interview with a prominent Calgary criminal defence lawyer. Nana is a strong believer in PBSC's guiding values and works to embody and promote those values in his personal and professional life. He looks forward to supporting and building bridges between community organizations, students, and lawyers.
Malik Mate
(he/him)
University of Calgary
Malik is a incoming third year law student at the University of Calgary. Malik also served as the PBSC UCalgary Lead Program Coordinator in 2022-2023 and is excited to support the new lead coordinator during the 2023-2024 school year. Prior to law school Malik was a varsity basketball player and is a Toronto Raptors super fan, which means that Malik has seen better days as of late.
Payton Eckert
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Payton is going into her 3rd year of law school at the University of Saskatchewan. This is her 2nd year as one of the PBSC student coordinators for the Saskatchewan Chapter. In her 1L year she volunteered with the Consent Project in partnership with the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan. Volunteering and working for PBSC has been the greatest highlight of her law school experience thus far.
Lisa Wanlin
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Lisa is in her third year of law school at the University of Saskatchewan. She is from Eastend, Saskatchewan. Before law school, Lisa completed a Master's and Undergraduate degree in Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Lisa was the PBSC Summer/School-year Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan Chapter this past year and looks forward to working with PBSC again this year as the School-year Coordinator.
Erin McIntyre
(she/her)
University of Manitoba
Erin McIntyre is an incoming second-year law student at the University of Manitoba. Erin comes to law school as a second career having worked in the museum and gallery sector for the last decade. Erin greatly enjoyed her PBSC volunteering experience this last year and looks forward to expanding her engagement as an incoming Student Coordinator.
Tyson Priebe
(he/him)
University of Manitoba
Tyson is going into his third year at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Law. Before law school, he worked with charities and non-profits in Winnipeg's inner-city which is where he developed a passion for Access to Justice. Tyson is a returning Program Coordinator with PBSC Manitoba and is excited about expanding upon his experience last year!
Cara Persia
(she/her)
Lakehead University
Cara is an incoming 2L student at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. Before law school, Cara received a Bachelor of Honours in Sport Management from Brock University. Cara's passion for PBSC came from her 1L volunteer position with the Thunder Bay & Area Victims Services. Cara is excited to help facilitate the work PBSC allows law students to complete within their communities and beyond. Cara is interested in criminal, family, and public health law.
Malak Tehaili
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Malak is a 2L Dual JD student at the University of Windsor. During her time in law school, Malak has thoroughly enjoyed her experience volunteering with the Youth ID clinic as project lead. Malak also enjoys working with non-profit organizations, including Lawyers Without Borders and Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Prior to law school, Malak received her BS in Biology from the University of Windsor. Malak is especially excited for the opportunity to make an impact within her own community through her role as Program Coordinator.
Timi Robert
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Timi is going into her third year in the single JD Program at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. In her first year, she was a member of the Student Law Society as the 1L Equity and Diversity Representative, where she had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of her classmates and take an active role in institutionalizing equity at Windsor Law. Timi completed her undergraduate degree at Lakehead University in political science, where her passion for access to justice was cultivated. Timi is passionate about community building, law, politics and making an impact in the lives of those around her and she is so excited to be a school year coordinator this year!
Ashuthi Kanneganti
(she/her)
Western University
Ashuthi is a law student at Western University. Prior to law school, she completed her undergraduate degree at Western University in the health sciences. Through her education and involvement with Pro Bono Students Canada, she has developed an understanding of how marginalization impacts one's access to legal resources. She hopes to engage in pro bono work as a lawyer.
Nella Vekic
(she/her)
Western University
Nella is an incoming 2L student at Western University. She started with PBSC as a volunteer with Project Consent and looks forward to continue working as a coordinator! She is passionate about criminal defence work and wants to share the importance of pro bono services with other students. Prior to starting law school, Nella studied Forensic Chemistry at the University of Toronto. In her free time, Nella enjoys travelling, hiking, playing volleyball, and trying new restaurants.
Yasmine Nasereddin
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Yasmine Nasereddin is entering 2L at Osgoode Hall Law School this upcoming September. Prior to her legal studies, Yasmine pursued a double major in International Relations and History at the University of Toronto. Her primary areas of interest for future legal practice include human rights, trade, and international law. Furthermore, Yasmine is actively engaged in supporting initiatives that aim to enhance access to justice, promote gender equality, and facilitate community development.
Maddy Kayeye
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Maddy Kayeye is an incoming 2L student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She previously attended the University of Toronto, where she received a BA in Criminology and Socio-legal Studies. Maddy has been deeply committed to studying criminal law and social justice issues. As a result, she understands the importance of access to justice initiatives as they help provide people with the opportunity to defend their rights. Overall, she hopes to pursue a career as a criminal lawyer, as she believes that the law is a powerful tool that can create positive change.
Matthew LeGallais
(he/him)
University of Toronto
​Matthew LeGallais is a 2L at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
Andrea Almeida-Pasko
(she/her)
University of Toronto
Andrea is overjoyed to be continuing her work with PBSC as the School Year Program Coordinator at the University of Toronto. Having volunteered with PBSC in 1L and worked as the PC in 2L, Andrea is passionate about working to increase access to justice in the local community.
Maha Khawaja
(she/her)
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Maha Khawaja is an incoming 2L at Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She has a rich background in community development ranging from grassroots movements to interfaith workshops and mentorship in her faith community. Given that her campus is intimately connected to vulnerable populations in downtown Toronto, Maha is guided by promoting access to justice within these communities. Prior to law school, Maha worked at a Food-Tech startup where she was actively involved in establishing EDI initiatives. Maha is excited to continue to build the foundations of the PBSC program at Lincoln Alexander, and looks forward to connecting with fellow coordinators!
Kira Petriello
(she/her)
Queen's University
Kira Petriello is an incoming 2L student who is looking forward to her role as PBSC Summer and School-Year Program Coordinator for the Queen's Law Chapter. Prior to pursuing law, Kira earned a Commerce degree from the Smith School of Business at Queen's University. At Queen’s Law, Kira joined PBSC as a Project Lead for a project regarding the legality surrounding solvency for businesses. Beyond PBSC, Kira remains engaged in the Queen's community, as President of Queen's Women and Law and Executive member of the Corporate Law Club. Kira is dedicated to making a positive impact within her school community and beyond.
Divjot Sudan
(he/him)
Queen's University
Divjot is an incoming 2L student at Queen's Law. He grew up in Toronto and completed his undergraduate studies at University of Toronto. Before coming to law school Divjot had co-hosted multiple charity events for the homeless and became a strong advocate for social justice movements throughout the world. Divjot strongly believes that everyone regardless of their background should have an equal opportunity to succeed within Canada, and when they don't, individuals who have that opportunity should offer that helping hand towards them. Divjot is extremely excited to be joining PBSC as the school year coordinator.
Rachel Quinby
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Rachel is an incoming 2L student in the English Common Law Program at the University of Ottawa. Prior to attending law school, she worked at various non-profit and social service organizations which instilled in her a deep interest in social justice. She is excited to join PBSC and work with organizations to increase access to justice in the community. Outside of school, Rachel enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Asha Sahota
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Asha is an incoming 2L at the University of Ottawa. Prior to law school, she worked at several non-profits, within the Government, and with various research organizations. Improving access to justice is one of the main reasons she decided to come to law school. Asha joined PBSC because of their dedication and commitment to addressing the barriers that communities face when trying to access justice. Asha is thrilled and honoured to be able to help bring public interest work to her law school community and to be able to show the importance of A2J initiatives in the legal field.
Maya Saheb-Ettaba
(elle)
Université d’Ottawa (Droit civil)
Maya Saheb-Ettaba est une étudiante en droit civil à l'Université d'Ottawa. Elle passe son temps à lire, à s'entraîner pour un marathon et à voyager. Elle est également impliquée au niveau de l'aide juridique pour plusieurs organismes communautaires où elle défend la mission de l'accès à la justice depuis le début de son parcours en droit.
Élisabeth Martel
(elle)
Université d’Ottawa (Droit civil)
Élisabeth a décidé de poursuivre ses études en droit à l’université d’Ottawa. Générosité, empathie et rigueur sont des qualités qui la mettent bien en valeur. Elle a à cœur l’accès à la justice pour tous. De plus, elle est une personne qui aime s’impliquer, elle est présentement rédactrice adjointe pour le Flagrant Délit et elle a déjà participé à la réalisation d’un projet EPBC sur la reconnaissance de la langue des signes. De plus, elle a travaillé en tant que technicienne juridique au sein de la Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.
Chanelle Lajoie
(she/her)
McGill University
Chanelle Lajoie is a Queer Cree-Métis first-generation law student from Treaty 1 Territory. She is the eldest of three, a partner, a daughter, an active community member, a filmmaker, and a researcher. Her areas of legal interest include Indigenous laws and feminist perspectives, Trans and gender justice, public health, and harm reduction.
Melissa De Angelis
(she/her)
McGill University
Melissa is an incoming 2L at McGill University. Before entering law school, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Philosophy, and French at the University of Toronto. during which she served as the Executive Director of a feminist organization on campus and was one of the Editors-in-Chief of Pensées Canadiennes, a Canadian undergraduate journal of philosophy. During 1L, Melissa worked as an intake officer at McGill's Legal Information Clinic and co-created a podcast for the McGill Law Journal. Melissa is incredibly passionate about ensuring access to legal justice. As Program Coordinator for McGill’s chapter of PBSC, Melissa looks forward to connecting law students with the Montréal community and making a meaningful impact on the city she now calls home.
Béatrice Légasse
(elle)
Université de Montreal
Béatrice est une étudiante de première année en droit à la faculté de l'Université de Montréal. Elle est particulièrement intéressée par le droit international humanitaire. Son implication au sein d'une clinique juridique l'a sensibilisé aux enjeux du système de justice actuel. Elle souhaite notamment travailler afin de rendre ce milieu plus inclusif et équitable. Elle partage les valeurs de Pro Bono Canada et se considère chanceuse de pouvoir contribuer à les partager. Elle a ainsi à cœur d'améliorer l'accès à la justice; elle est impatiente de transmettre cette passion à d'autres étudiants durant l'année 2023-2024.
Gabrielle Desbiens-Guérard
(elle)
Université de Montreal
Pendant les deux dernières années, Gabrielle s'est impliquée au sein de l'exécutif de l'Association des Étudiant.es Pro Bono du Canada en tant que Vice-Présidente aux technologies et Vice-Présidente aux évènements. En plus de son implication au sein de l'exécutif, elle a aussi participé à la création de la trame factuelle du concours de plaidoirie Juripop en tant que bénévole. Dès son arrivée à l'Université, Gabrielle a de plus co-fondé le tout premier comité juridique contre les violences a caractère sexuel à la Faculté. Elle s'y implique en tant que Vice-présidente aux évènements depuis maintenant 2 ans, et donne des conférences dans les Cégeps sur l'accès à la justice pour les femmes victimes de violences sexuelles et conjugales.
Clara Landry
(elle)
Université du Québec à Montréal
Débutant sa deuxième année au baccalauréat en droit et étant étudiante universitaire de première génération, son parcours se démarque particulièrement par son désir de justice sociale et d’accès à la justice. Elle s'intéresse plus particulièrement au droit de l'environnement et elle est impliquée dans plusieurs organismes communautaires.
Louna Nawel Oukil
(elle)
Université du Québec à Montréal
Entamant sa troisième année au baccalauréat en droit, Louna a développé un grand intérêt pour la justice sociale et la vulgarisation juridique au sein de son parcours. Dès sa première année, elle s’est engagée auprès de ProBono dans le projet Droit et soins de santé, où elle a créé plusieurs ateliers de vulgarisation juridique au sein des populations vulnérables. Ayant rencontré des personnes extraordinaires partageant ses valeurs durant son implication, elle est plus que motivée à prendre la coordination de sa section afin de continuer la mission qu’elle s’est donnée, soit d’améliorer l’accès à la justice, brique par brique.
Emy Moreau
(elle)
Université de Sherbrooke
Emy est coordonnatrice de programme pour une deuxième année consécutive. Étudiante de troisième année en droit, elle effectue un Bac-Maitrise en droit et sciences de la vie et s’intéresse particulièrement au droit pharmaceutique. Elle a à coeur les valeurs des Étudiant.es Pro Bono du Canada et est honorée de pouvoir mener à bien leur mission.
Elisa Enza Argento
(she/her)
Université de Sherbrooke
Elisa is a law student at the University of Sherbrooke. Prior to starting her law degree, she began an undergraduate degree in Arts, majoring in Political Science and minoring in International Development Studies at McGill University. Elisa has always been very implicated within her school and community. Besides Pro Bono, she was a member of Lawyers Without Borders at McGill, she founded and presided over the Gender Equality Club in college as well as being a part of the French Debate and the National Model United Nations teams. This year, along with her partner, Elisa prepared a pamphlet and presented a presentation about e-commerce legal issues to a partner organization.
Clara Pontbriand
(elle)
Université Laval
Alors qu’elle amorce sa deuxième année du baccalauréat en droit à l’Université Laval, Clara a toujours eu une grande préoccupation pour les enjeux d’accès à la justice. Au cours de l’année précédence, elle a eu la chance de s’impliquer en tant que bénévole auprès d’Étudiant(e)s Pro Bono Canada et elle a pu y constater les retombées positives sur la communauté. Les valeurs d’équité, de diversité et de justice lui tiennent énormément à cœur. C’est un honneur pour elle de faire partie d’une équipe qui incarne ces valeurs et elle compte mettre à profit sa motivation, sa rigueur et sa passion pour la cause.
Virginie Côté
(elle)
Université Laval
Virginie est une étudiante de 3e année à la faculté de droit de l'Université Laval. Elle a été bénévole pour ProBono depuis ces débuts dans le programme. Elle saura faire rayonner et promouvoir et atouts qu'apporte ProBono au sein de la communauté. Ayant à cœur l’accès à la justice, elle a décroché le prix Innovation & Leadership ProBono en 2022 par la façon dont elle a su innover dans la mise en place d’une collaboration entre notre organisme et une classe dont les étudiants.es ont des problèmes avec le système judiciaire.
Julia Belanger
(she/her)
University of New Brunswick
With a background in Criminology and Victimology, and having worked in Victim Services and Advocacy, Julia is now attending law school with the goal of being part of promoting access to justice. As a law student, an advocate, and mother, Julia strives to ensure that all those around her feel heard, seen, and cared for. She is excited to work for PBSC and play a small role in eliminating access to justice issues in Canada.
Zoe Rossier
(elle)
Université de Moncton
Zoe Rossier est une étudiante en droit bilingue de l'Université de Moncton. À l'automne 2021, elle a commencé son parcours Pro Bono dans le cadre d'un placement en droit de la famille et, à l'automne 2022, elle a commencé un poste à la Clinique des réfugiées du Nouveau-Brunswick. Grâce à ces placements, elle a développé une véritable appréciation de ce que le programme Pro Bono fait pour les personnes dans le besoin, les étudiants et les cliniques juridiques. Zoe espère pouvoir créer encore plus d'opportunités pour les étudiants de son université à l'automne 2023.
MEET OUR 2023-2024
ONSITE SUPERVISORS
Steve Perks
University of Victoria
Lana Walker
(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University
Kaila Mikkelson
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Emily Zarychta
(she/her)
University of British Columbia
Gideon Christian
University of Calgary
Sarah Buhler
(she/her)
University of Saskatchewan
Natasha Brown
(she/her)
University of Manitoba
Robin Sutherland
(he/him)
Lakehead University
Hope Buset
Lakehead University
Anna Maria DeCia-Gualtieri
(she/her)
University of Windsor
Kimberley Gagan
(she/her)
Western University
Lisa Del Col
(she/her)
Osgoode Hall Law School
Charlée Tolliver
(she/her)
University of Toronto
Leanne Shafir
(she/her)
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Michael Molas
(he/him)
Queen's University
Karine Laframboise
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Anna Jeffery
(she/her)
University of Ottawa (Common Law)
Chelsea Paradis
Université d'Ottawa
(Droit civil)
Érick Sullivan
Université Laval
Aminata Bal
(elle)
Université de Montréal
Stephen De Four-Wyre
(he/him)
McGill University
Valérie Bouchard
(elle)
Université du Quebec à Montréal
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Jessie Courteau
(elle)
Université de Sherbrooke
Martha McClellan
(she/her)
University of New Brunswick
Érik Labelle Eastaugh
Université de Moncton
MEET THE TEAM @ NATIONAL!
CHAPTER FUNDERS
We are grateful to our Chapter funders, and our 22 law school partners across Canada, for championing PBSC's work and impact.
