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MEET OUR 2024-2025
PROGRAM COORDINATORS

An incoming 2L in the dual degree JID program at the University of Victoria, Salena Thomas is the Vice President of the Black Law Student Association UVic Chapter, demonstrating a strong commitment to equitable justice. Salena brings a distinctive viewpoint to their academic and advocacy efforts from her diverse experiences in restorative justice. With a passion for fostering a more equitable legal system, she also cherishes travelling, seeking to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of law through diverse cultural experiences.

Salena Thomas

(she/her)

University of Victoria

Lucy is a second year law student at the University of Victoria. She has recently completed her bachelors degree in Psychology and Gender Studies. She has volunteered throughout her university career such as at a suicide prevention centre and mentoring at risk youth, and is excited to contribute to PBSC.

Lucy Rohatynchuk

(she/her)

University of Victoria

Isabella (she/her) is going into her second year of studying law at TRU. Her passion for access to justice stems from her time working as a family law paralegal. Isabella's commitment to community is demonstrated through her ongoing volunteer work doing outreach and harm reduction. Isabella looks forward to making impactful contributions as a program coordinator for Pro Bono Students Canada.

Isabella Balducci

(she/her)

Thompson Rivers University

Alyssa is a 3L 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. In addition to classes and PBSC, Alyssa was selected as a Level Social Justice Fellow, 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.

Alyssa Collins

(she/her)
Thompson Rivers University

Ashley is an incoming 3L at Peter A. Allard School of Law. As a 2L, she completed a PBSC placement with Justice for Girls, a non-profit organization that promotes equality, freedom from violence and colonialism, and the health and well-being of teenage girls who live in poverty. In her placement, she helped work on cases and research in a variety of policy areas that impact the rights of women, such as exploitation and Indigenous rights. Ashley’s PBSC placement has been one of the most enriching experiences of her academic career, providing her with invaluable insights into access to justice.

Ashley Dhanda

(she/her)

University of British Columbia

Having grown up India and Singapore, Rish is still a relative newcomer to Canada. He studied International Relations and History at the University of British Columbia, and graduated in May 2020. After that, he worked as a fundraising officer in the Downtown Eastside region of Vancouver with a non-profit called Union Gospel Mission. There he was able to become a manager, and help community members with all kinds of vital support. However, he always wanted to be a lawyer, and when the opportunity came around, he jumped at it, and has just now finished his first year at the Peter A Allard School of Law. He hopes to use his legal knowledge to support communities all across Canada and the world.

Rishabh Gunvante

(he/him)

University of British Columbia

Arad is entering 2L at the University of Calgary. Prior to attending, he was a tax accountant, helping companies come into compliance with the CRA. Arad joined PBSC to get involved with his local communities and help increase access to justice. Having seen the impact organizations such as PBSC make, he didn’t hesitate to get involved. Arad plans to increase support for newcomers, housing disputes, and individuals who are not in healthy relationships. Outside his professional life, Arad loves to go to the gym, cook, and is trying his hardest to become a Calgary Flames fan!

Arad Shadmani

(he/him)

University of Calgary

Nana is a third-year student at the UCalgary Faculty of Law. He was the 2023-24 summer and academic term Program Coordinator for PBSC Calgary. He will be the academic term Program Coordinator for 2024-25.

Nana Asante

(he/him)

University of Calgary

Veronica Dirk-Pothier is an incoming 2L student at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to law school, she completed her BA in Psychology with a focus on ethics, criminology, and addictions. Veronica has previously worked with vulnerable populations through non-profit organizations in Saskatoon’s core community and wants to use this experience to address the access to justice crisis in her legal career. Veronica previously volunteered with PBSC’s Family Law Project and is excited to help ensure all the student volunteers have as great of a time volunteering with PBSC as she did.

Veronica Dirk-Pothier

(she/her)

University of Saskatchewan

Sally is an incoming 3L student at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to law school, she engaged in social psychology research and enjoyed a career in marketing. She pivoted to law because she wanted to help people solve complex problems. This contributes to her excitement in being a PBSC Program Coordinator. She values helping those in need and connecting communities together. Outside of legal studies, Sally works hard to keep her plants alive and enjoys treating herself to ice cream.

Sally Maeng

(she/her)

University of Saskatchewan

Riley previously studied education, history, and Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba before entering law school. He is the incoming VP-Finance for the Manitoba Law Students Association, VP-Finance of the Robson Hall Debate Society, Founder of the Robson Hall Squash Association, 2L representative for the Robson Hall Curling League, and he enjoys long walks on the beach. A Volunteer Coordinator for the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Riley is eager to work with PBSC in a similar capacity, as he can attest to the immense value of volunteering, both for the volunteer and community they serve.

Riley Parker

(he/him)

University of Manitoba

Erin is pleased to be returning for her second year as a Program Coordinator with PBSC. Erin is a part-time student at the University of Manitoba entering her third of four years of law school. Prior to law school, Erin worked in the museum and gallery sector for over a decade.

Erin Kytiakopoulos

(she/her)

University of Manitoba

Cameron is the new PBSC Coordinator for the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, having recently completed 1L. Originally from Waterford, Ontario, he resides in Thunder Bay during the school year. This past year, Cameron undertook a significant project with Pro Bono Students Canada and Legal Advocates for Nature's Defence (LAND), focusing on the intersection of Indigenous rights and the use of small modular reactors to meet Canada's 2030 climate objectives.

Cameron Crawford

(he/him)

Lakehead University

Natalie is a second-year student in the single JD program at the University of Windsor. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor in English Language and Literature. Prior to becoming involved in PBSC, Natalie progressed to the semi-finals in the Transnational Law Moot and participated in Windsor Law’s Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Born and raised in Windsor, Natalie’s passion for increasing access to justice started with her volunteer positions at HerCampus Magazine and the Women’s Justice and Empowerment Association. Natalie is excited to further PBSC’s mission and expand her local connections with the law community.

Natalie Cusinato

(she/her)

University of Windsor

Matt is an incoming 3L student at Windsor Law. He is super active in the Windsor Law School Community. Outside of school Matt is a big sports fan. He enjoys watching his favourite premier league team (Fulham FC) play on weekend mornings during the season.

Matt MacDowell

(he/him)

University of Windsor

Madalyn just completed her 1L studies at Western University. Before attending law school, she attended McMaster University where she received her Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities with a Minor in Sustainability. Madalyn has previous work experience in both the financial and non-profit sector, including non-profit projects focused on supporting at-risk youth and their animal companions in the GTA, and decreasing the food waste present on university campuses. Madalyn is very excited to be Western’s PBSC Summer Program Coordinator and cannot wait to get started.

Madalyn Morrison

(she/her)

Western University

With a background in non-profit finance and impact investing, Ryan's passion for creating long-lasting social change has brought him to PBSC. Ryan holds an Honor's BA from Western University in Sustainable Finance, where he helped to create an online repository of course materials from over 50 universities globally on the topics of social change and environmental sustainability. As Coordinator, Ryan looks forward to helping low-income centres in London with their legal needs, including Western’s recent partnerships with Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s Tenant Project and the EOLC’s Gender–Based Violence legal education work.

Ryan Krause

(he/him)

Western University

Dania is a 1L student dedicated to social justice causes and expanding access to justice. Drawing from her experiences working with marginalized groups, she is committed to advocating for fairness in the legal sphere. Dania's interest lies in empowering those who are often overlooked by the legal system, striving to make justice accessible for everyone.

Dania Ahmed

(she/her)

Osgoode Hall Law School

Maddy Kayeye is enrolled as a 2L student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She previously graduated from UofT with a major in criminology and socio-legal studies, and a double minor in urban studies and human geography. Maddy served as a judicial intern at the Ontario Court of Justice and is Co-President of the Nyantende Foundation (Osgoode chapter) and Program Coordinator for PBSC Osgoode.

Maddy Kayeye

(she/her)

Osgoode Hall Law School

Brianna is an incoming 2L at University of Toronto. Brianna received a Bachelor of Music from McGill University. Prior to starting law school, Brianna worked at Arts for Learning Western New York in Buffalo,NY and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Outside of law school, Brianna enjoys running while exploring Toronto!

Brianna Grieff

(she/her)

University of Toronto

Megan is entering 2L in September at the University of Toronto. Before coming to law school, Megan completed her Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University. During her studies, Megan had a particular focus on courses and extracurriculars with a social impact theme, being part of the Queen’s Social Impact Association, Queen’s Commerce Kids, and the Queen’s Non Profit Community Action Team. Outside of school, Megan loves being outdoors. She specifically loves cycling and hiking, especially in her home province, Alberta.

Megan Raber

(she/her)

University of Toronto

Alia Samem is a 2L student at Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She began her academic journey at McMaster University, where she graduated in 2023 with a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specializing in Public Law and Judicial Studies. Throughout her studies, she actively participated in academia, serving as a research and teaching assistant. Additionally, she has worked in legal clinics and ventured into entrepreneurship by starting her own flower business. Alia is dedicated to community engagement and improving access to justice, actively working to strengthen and build PBSC's presence at Lincoln Alexander.

Alia Samen

(she/her)

Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Maha is a 3L student excited to return as Program Coordinator for PBSC at the 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. Maha is guided by promoting access to justice within the diverse populations in Toronto, building on the growth of the Lincoln Alexander chapter this year. Prior to law school, Maha worked at a Food-Tech startup where she was actively involved in establishing EDI initiatives.

Maha Khawaja

(she/her)

Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Kira Petriello is an incoming 3L student who is looking forward to her role as the 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. Kira has been involved with PBSC for 2 years, and is thrilled to be returning in her last year of law school. Beyond PBSC, Kira remains engaged in the Queen's community, as 3L Class President and Head of the Tutoring Program. Kira is dedicated to making a positive impact within her school community and beyond.

Kira Petriello

(she/her)

Queen's University

Emily is an incoming 2L student at Queen's University with an interest in both commerce and social responsibility. Prior to pursuing law, Emily attended the Schulich School of Business, where she developed a commitment to making a positive impact in her community. She previously worked in the operations department of a non-profit organization in Haiti, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of providing essential services to those in need. Emily is excited for the opportunity to make an impact within her local community as Program Coordinator.

Emily Bissoon

(she/her)

Queen's University

Megan Abel is an incoming 3L at University of Ottawa. She is passionate about public interest lawyering that seeks to meet traditionally neglected legal needs of under-represented and dispossessed groups—particularly in health and environmental justice spheres. Megan is a Research Assistant in global health law and summering at a boutique civil litigation firm. In previous roles, she investigated anti-SLAPP legislation’s application to retaliatory actions against sexual misconduct complainants and assessed Ontario’s proposed workplace heat-stress regulation for migrant farm workers. Megan is eager to apply PBSC’s emphasis upon impact, over intentions, and engage in meaningful work with students and organizations.

Megan Abel
(she/her)

University of Ottawa (Common Law)

I am an incoming 3rd year law student with an interest in health law and litigation. I am interested in advocacy surrounding LGBTQ2S+ rights and the further advocate against HIV stigma. In my free time, I enjoy doing musicals, plays, singing karaoke and signing myself up for dance classes like Kpop dance, salsa, and bachata.

Raymarck Unera

(he/him)

University of Ottawa (Common Law)

Maude entamera sa dernière année au programme de droit civil à l’université d’Ottawa à l’automne. Passionnée par le droit international, l’accès à la justice et la défense des droits humains, ses différents engagements académiques et communautaires attestent de son leadership et de sa polyvalence. Dans le cadre du programme EPBC 2023-2024, Maude a fait de la recherche en droit de la famille pour le Centre d’amitié autochtone de Val-d’Or afin d’améliorer la compréhension du droit d’une communauté vulnérable. Elle s’implique aussi dans sa communauté étudiante, notamment par son poste de présidente de l’Association étudiante d’Avocats sans frontières de l’Université d’Ottawa.

Maude Boucher

(she/her)

Université d’Ottawa (Droit civil)

Actuellement en première année de licence en droit à l'Université d'Ottawa, Lucie Fotso aspire à évoluer dans un environnement mondial et multiculturel pour concrétiser ses objectifs avec authenticité et résolution. Son engagement bénévole façonne sa capacité à aborder les défis juridiques avec une perspective novatrice. Depuis qu'elle a réalisé pour la première fois que s'abstenir de faire un choix était aussi un choix, elle s'est promise de toujours lutter pour ce en quoi elle croit. En effet, en tant que femme immigrante noire de première génération, elle se positionne comme une alliée des marginalisé.es.

Lucie Nolwenn Fotso Moguem
(elle)

Université d’Ottawa (Droit civil)

Eunice Yong is an incoming 2L Student at McGill Faculty of Law. Before her studies at McGill, she did her undergrad at the University of Toronto, Double Majoring in Ethics, Society, & Law, Political Science and a Minor in Women & Gender Studies. She has always been passionate about the rights of youth and hopes to marry this interest to her legal studies. In her free time, she loves frequenting cafes, camping, and singing and playing the guitar. She is excited about this opportunity to serve for the PBSC McGill Chapter and get to know fellow Coordinators across Canada.

Eunice Yong

(she/her)

McGill University

Elyse is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Civil Law/Juris Doctor program at McGill University. She has dedicated the past year to PBSC, working with a community-supportive legal clinic in Montreal that spans various legal areas. Originally from Montreal, she completed a Cégep degree in Liberal Arts, followed by an undergraduate degree in Communications from University of Ottawa. Elyse has a keen interest for the intersection of entrepreneurship, social innovation, and law, as well as a passion for international law and arbitration. She looks forward to flexing her creative muscles and previous experience in partnership management, towards building connections and awareness of access to justice initiatives for the McGill chapter of PBSC.

Elyse Mitchell
(she/her)

McGill University

Cecile est une étudiante de deuxième année à l'Université de Montréal et elle est ravie de se joindre à l'équipe EPBC en tant que coordonnatrice d'été pour l'année 2024-2025. Son intérêt pour l'accès à la justice s'est vivement renforcé par l'impact notable de ses nombreux engagements communautaires, notamment son expérience en tant qu'étudiante Pro Bono au sein de l'organisme Juripop. Elle a développé une approche pédagogique lors de son mentorat pour ce concours de plaidoirie. Elle est profondément sensibilisée aux enjeux de justice sociale.

Cecile Azzoug

Université de Montreal

Lynda est une étudiante de deuxième année au baccalauréat en droit à l’Université de Montréal qui a à cœur l’implication communautaire.

En parallèle de son engagement en tant qu’étudiante Pro Bono au Blog du CRL, elle participe activement à la vie sociale au sein de la Faculté de Droit de l’Université de Montréal, notamment de part son statut de chroniqueuse au Pigeon Dissident.

Sensible aux différents enjeux sociaux reliés à l’accès à la justice, elle est déterminée à promouvoir la mission d’EPBC et à mener son mandat avec intégrité et altruisme.

Lynda Makhlouf

(she/her)

Université de Montréal

Débutant sa troisième 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 de l'immigration et elle est impliquée dans plusieurs organismes communautaires. Elle est également déléguée syndicale pour le département de science politique et de droit.

Clara Landry

(elle)

Université du Québec à Montréal

Louna est étudiante de dernière année au baccalauréat en droit, à l'UQÁM. Elle s'est engagée en tant que bénévole Pro Bono pour le projet "Droit et soins de santé" pendant 2 ans et elle entame maintenant sa deuxième année en tant que coordonnatrice. Au cours de son parcours, elle a développé un grand intérêt pour les questions de justice sociale, notamment à ce qui a trait à la vulgarisation juridique. Elle souhaite poursuivre sa carrière dans ce sens, en continuant de s'engager auprès d'institutions valorisant l'accès à la justice.

Louna Oukil

(elle)

Université du Québec à Montréal

Zalfa Kazan est une étudiante de troisième année, cheminement général, au sein du baccalauréat en droit à l’Université de Sherbrooke. Bachelière en kinésiologie de l’Université de Montréal, elle entame des études en droit et s’implique au sein du comité Pro Bono comme bénévole dès sa première année en droit. Effectivement, elle a réalisé des capsules d’information sur la violence conjugale pour le Centre pour femmes immigrantes de Sherbrooke. Zalfa a toujours fait preuve d’une grande éthique de travail et elle est toujours prête à relever de nouveaux défis et à faire face à de nouvelles responsabilités. Ayant un fort sens de l’organisation et d’engagement, elle a souhaité s’impliquer davantage au sein du programme Pro Bono; c’est alors qu’elle a choisi de devenir la coordinatrice du programme lors de sa troisième année du baccalauréat.

Zalfa Kazan

(elle)

Université de Sherbrooke

Elisa is a 3rd year law student at the University of Sherbrooke. With a background in political science and international development studies, Elisa is passionate about promoting access to justice. Elisa has always been very implicated within her school and community. Aside from Pro Bono, she was a member of Lawyers Without Borders, she founded and presided over the Gender Equality Club as well as being a part of National Model United Nations. This will be Elisa's 3rd year implicated with EPBC; the first as a volunteer and the last 2 as a program coordinator. She is excited to continue to work with EPBC and play a role in eliminating access to justice issues in Canada.

Elisa Enza Argento
(she/her)

Université de Sherbrooke

Alyson Lemay est une étudiante en droit à l'Université Laval qui entame sa troisième année. Son enthousiasme et sa motivation sont des attributs qui permettront à Pro Bono de continuer fièrement sa mission de contribuer à la communauté. C'est avec grande impatience qu'elle souhaite réunir la communauté juridique étudiante de Québec avec des causes qui leur tiennent à coeur, et ce, en tant que coordonnatrice PBSC de l'Université Laval.

Alyson Lemay
(elle)

Université Laval

Aude coordonnera les activités du comité des Étudiants Pro Bono du Canada de l'Université Laval pendant l’été 2024 et l’année scolaire 2024-2025. Ayant à cœur l’accès à la justice, le respect des droits et l’équité, elle aspire à contribuer au changement en s’impliquant concrètement. Engagée depuis plusieurs années dans le milieu communautaire, elle souhaite participer à la construction d’une société plus juste. Après une carrière en journalisme, Aude s’est tournée vers le domaine juridique pour rester au plus près des enjeux sociaux actuels. Elle croit profondément en l’approche collaborative et en la justice sociale pour défendre les droits des personnes les plus vulnérables.

Aude Malaret
(elle)

Université Laval

Julia is an advocate for change in society, because she believes that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect. She pursued a legal education so she could be part of bringing about change. She is passionate about access to justice. Julia is also a law geek, and will be clerking with the NBCA after graduation in 2025. She is a passionate mother, wife, colleague, friend, amateur gardener, and lover of books and word puzzles. She looks forward to another year as the PBSC Program Coordinator at UNB's Faculty of Law.

Julia Belanger
(she/her)

University of New Brunswick

In September 2024, Maggie will start her third academic year at the Université de Moncton. One of her passions is travelling, with this hobby Maggie was able to gain a global understanding that helping others in need is borderless and can be done in any capacity. Now that she is pursuing a career in law, it is the perfect opportunity to contribute to Pro Bono Students Canada's mission. Her areas of gained experience through pro bono include legally assisting francophone immigrants, former convicts and family services. Maggie is excited to make a meaningful impact while working as the new Program Coordinator for PBSC at the Université de Moncton.

Maggie Lavoie
(she/ her)

Université de Moncton