Student Ambassadors
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Lindsay Benhke
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email Address: Lbehnke@fiu.edu
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL
Legal Affiliations: Negotiations and Mediations Team, Federal Bar Association, Women’s Law Society
Journal: FIU Law Review
Why FIU Law? That bar passage rate, am I right? Also, I wanted to go to the best law school in south Florida. Making connections close to home gives me a better chance of getting the job I want, in the place I want to practice.
Favorite things about FIU Law? (1) The people, (2) the bar passage rate, (3) the free food
Jordan Bittle
Undergraduate Institution: Florida Gulf Coast University
Email Address: jbitt008@fiu.edu
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Legal Affiliation: Federal Bar Association, Student Member
Journal: FIU Law Review
Why FIU Law? What solidified my choice to come to FIU Law was my visit to the school after I had applied. This visit really gave me insight into what it was like to be a student at the Florida International University College of Law. I loved the atmosphere and the location of the school, so my decision was easy.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is how much the faculty and advisors truly care about each student. Their open-door policies and willingness to help students really makes FIU Law feel like a family.
Yina Cabrera
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: ycabr024@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Cuban American Bar Association, Employment and Labor Law Society, Women's Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta
Journals: FIU Law Review
Why FIU Law? Upon making my decision of where to attend law school, it was apparent that FIU Law had a great atmosphere and phenomenal professors. However, after speaking to several students, and Student Ambassadors, I was convinced that FIU Law produces very successful, practice-ready graduates. Considering the small class sizes, professors who make themselves available to students, and the bar passage, FIU Law was simply the best choice.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? FIU Law's small knit community creates an environment that truly aims at helping students succeed. I have found that students in the year above me, FIU Law grads, and professors, go out of their way to be excellent mentors; this makes all the difference in a student's path to success.
Elisa Diaz
Undergraduate Institution: Loyola University New Orleans
Email Address: ediaz187@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? I knew I wanted to stay in Miami and prepare for a legal career in my hometown. I didn’t realize how at home I truly would feel at FIU Law. When I visited the law school, I met students who spoke to me about their experiences in and out of the classroom. I felt so welcomed by the students, faculty, staff and Dean Page. The transition into law school isn’t easy, but FIU cares about you and your success. There are so many reasons as to why FIU - but nothing is better than pursuing your career path and being practice ready. FIU Law is a special place to be and the ambassadors can’t wait to show you why! Come check us out!
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is the people! The student environment is really collaborative, the professors have open door policies and are available if you need them, and the staff will get to know you! I’ve found a family at FIU Law.
Gabriel Diaz
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email Address: gdiaz109@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society - Social Media Director
Why FIU Law? FIU Law is unique. It has an intimate, familial atmosphere that encourages excellence without sacrificing collegiality. Ultimately, FIU Law was like coming home for me. Moreover, you cannot find a better quality law school on a value/price point scale than FIU Law.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is the sense of community among all the students and faculty.
Shakeyla Flores
Undergraduate Institution: Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Email Address: sflor065@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association, Marijuana Law Education Society, Hispanic Law Student Association, H.T. Smith Black Law Students Association.
Journals: Law Review
Competition Teams: Negotiation and Mediation Team
Why FIU Law? FIU Law provides real world experiences for aspiring lawyers and allows law students to personalize their education. Particularly, FIU Law's Clinical Program has left a footprint in the local community. Furthermore, students are given the opportunity to pursue their interests, whether it be in Intellectual Property, Business Law, Litigation, and more. Ultimately, I knew that FIU Law would provide me with the foundation necessary to serve as an advocate for my community, while also giving me the freedom to guide my legal education.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? I am truly grateful for the support system at FIU. From peer mentors to professors and administrators, the FIU Law community is supportive and enthusiastic about seeing others succeed. Professors encourage students to ask questions and help students seek career opportunities outside the classroom. FIU Law Administrators are also very involved with student organizations and are eager to give a helping hand.
Audrey Franklin
Undergraduate Institution: Bowling Green State University
Email Address: afran214@fiu.edu
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Legal Affiliation: Black Law Student Association, Student Bar Association Committee Chair
Why FIU Law? I fell in love with the community and culture at FIU Law. During my first visit, I was welcomed with open arms and it felt like a family. Florida International University College of Law is unlike any other law school. The faculty and staff truly care about students.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? I do not feel like I'm competing with other students, and I feel like we are all going through this tough journey of law school together. Being in such a warm and welcoming environment has proven to be successful for FIU Law students in the school and in practice. It is also very easy to create bonds with faculty at FIU Law because the faculty truly care about the students.
Alcides J. Martinez
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: amart429@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Libertarian Law Student Association
Why FIU Law? I have always considered South Florida to be my home. With the help of many people, I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to join the ranks of the highly bright and impressively promising future legal professionals that are the students of the FIU College of Law. Here, I can appreciate daily the quality of instruction and the lucrative paths laid out for us.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law so far is a tie between the wealth of legal expertise and pedagogical abilities of the professors and the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and most importantly points of view that characterize our student body. I proudly arrive to class each day knowing I will leave back home with a wide range of newfound legal wisdom as well as bonds of friendship that will last me a lifetime. Moreover, all these wonderful advantages have been made available through an evening class program that has allowed a father and working professional like me to be able to pursue and to participate in law school. I’m humbled each day by the swell of gratitude and well-being that overcomes me here at the FIU college of law.
Nicholas Reid
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: nreid013@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Litigation
Why FIU Law? There's a formula to the make up of a great university. Before applying to FIU Law I did the math; education + experience + employment. FIU Law checked all the boxes for a great university. The reason why I choose FIU Law was easy; it added up.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? The culture.
Jason Yeber
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: Jyebe002@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Business Law Society – President/Mindfulness Association – Vice President/Hispanic Law Student Association – Vice President
Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law most of all because of the familial atmosphere. Everyone I spoke to really had nothing but great things to say about the culture and how everyone seemed to support each other. It also helped that FIU is consistently #1 for bar passage. Ultimately, your goal when you come to Law School is to become an attorney and there really is no better place in Florida that will prepare you to pass the bar.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? The people. The student body is great. The faculty and staff always go above and beyond for its students and you can tell they truly care about you. You aren’t just another number added to their statistical record and in Law School where you will definitely have moments when you question if this is truly what you want, this is really important. The faculty and staff continuously preach self-care and wellness and always provide resources to ensure everyone is supported on their journey to become an attorney.
Victoria Dias
Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University
Email: vdias003@fiu.edu
Hometown: Wellington, FL
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association - Secretary, Criminal Law Society - Secretary, Lexis Nexis Representative, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law?
Obviously, the bar passage rate played a role but a student at the time told me about the community that FIU Law fosters. He told me all about how students really try to help each other whenever they can and that the administration truly cares for all of their students. When I toured FIU Law, my tour guide immediately made me feel at home and I was able to see the collaborative community FIU Law offers firsthand.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The people, the professors, how easy it is to get involved, and how incredible Dean Schulze is at teaching us “how to law school.”
Stephanie Pena
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: spena048@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Peer Mentor, Public Interest Network -Vice President, Stonewall Legal Alliance – Treasurer, Women’s Law Society, Lexis Nexis Ambassador
Why FIU Law? FIU has been my home for years. I grew up down the street. I went to elementary school next door. As FIU Law grew, I grew. It's like home to me. Since its inauguration in 2002, I have witnessed this school grow into a powerhouse. With its strong community ties and high bar passage rate, it was an easy decision to make when it was time to apply for law school.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? It’s sense of community and togetherness. The faculty, the staff, and even the students all want to see us succeed. There is so much support from every nook and cranny in this school.
Natalia Morales
Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami
Email: nmora0472fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL.
Legal Affiliation: Hispanic Law Student Association – Secretary, Federal Bar Association - Networking Director, Student Bar Association – Treasurer, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? Choosing a law school that was both close to home and would prepare me for a successful legal career was of upmost importance to me. I chose FIU Law because of its bar passage rate and reputation in the Miami legal community.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? By far, my favorite thing about FIU Law is the people. The sense of community and camaraderie amongst the students and faculty is unparalleled. I have met some of my greatest friends at FIU Law.
Rafael Prado
Graduate Institution: Universidad de Sevilla (Juris Doctor), Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (Juris Doctor)
Email: rprad010@fiu.edu
Hometown: Camerota, Italy
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association, Vice-President, Hispanic Law Student Association, President, World Arbitration and Mediation Review, Staff Member, International Arbitration Moot Team, Spanish, Research Assistant, Dean Gomez, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? The first thing that attracted me to FIU Law was the #1 Bar passing rate in the state. Additionally, When I talked with alumni, friends that were part of FIU Law, and professors, they only had nothing but great words about the School and the student body, and when I visited FIU Law, they made me feel valued and at home, so it was an easy decision.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? FIU Law is truly a family, where all members lookout for the well-being and needs of others, always willing to help as much as possible. Not only do you get an excellent education, but you acquire all the tools to stand out in the professional world, and, additionally, you become part of a phenomenal community.
Kamila Fernandez
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: kfern108@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association: SGA Representative, Criminal Law Society: Event Coordinator, Teaching Assistant: LSV I, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? FIU Law is a very diverse institution that values inclusiveness. As a first-generation law student, the unique academic culture that exists at FIU Law instills confidence in me to achieve my utmost potential in this special environment.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is how supportive the faculty is. The professors are very passionate about their students' success!
Melissa Lima
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: mlima021@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association, Peer Mentor, LexisNexis Representative
Why FIU Law? If you couldn't already tell by my undergrad school of choice, I love FIU. Having been in Miami pretty much my entire life, I couldn't see myself anywhere else but here. When I started my undergrad at FIU, I immediately felt welcomed. I loved the atmosphere, the people, the culture and the inclusivity that FIU promotes. Law school is no easy feat and it could really take a toll on you. I knew that in choosing where I went to law school, I had to make sure it would be somewhere that I felt supported and understood. FIU Law was the perfect match and luckily, it chose me, too.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? I'll probably be the 100th person to say this, but FIU Law, in my opinion, is the best because of its people. From the students all across, to the faculty and administration, they are truly special individuals. Law is a profession that is very big on networking, and FIU Law has created an environment that enables the creation of strong bonds between one another, with people who truly care about you and want you to succeed. It's easy to get lost in the motions of law school, so it's great to have people surrounding you that will help you find your way back to yourself.
Lynden James
Undergraduate Institution: FIU
Email: ljame024@fiu.edu
Hometown: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Legal Affiliation: Student Bar Association, Vice-President, Law Review, H.T. Smith Black Law Student Association, Reaching Out Director, Caribbean Law Student Association, Secretary, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? I went FIU for undergrad and made it home, so I wanted to go to law school in the place where I call my home and FIU Law is exactly that.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is that it operates like a family, as opposed to a law school. The faculty go above and beyond to ensure that the needs of the students are met, just as a family should and the student body is really close knit, even though law school forces you to compete with your peers for grades.
Ashira Vantrees
Undergraduate Institution: Ohio Christian University (Bachelors) & Thomas Jefferson University (Masters)
Email: avant002@fiu.edu
Hometown: Cooper City, Florida
Legal Affiliation: World Arbitration and Mediation Review - Senior Staff Member, FIU Law Moot Court Team – President, Disability Rights Law Association – President, Public Interest Network, International Law Student Association, Women’s Law Society, Research Assistant, Professor Jalloh
Why FIU Law? FIU Law has a great reputation in the community and a phenomenal bar passage rate.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? I have had a great experience with the public international law program at FIU Law and have had the opportunity to work at the International Law Commission in Geneva and sit-in on discussion with leading experts in international law. These are rare opportunities that I would have not been able to participate in had I not been a student at FIU Law.
Jacob Quinlan
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email: jquin151@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: Federalist Society – President, World Arbitration and Mediation Review, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? What sets FIU Law apart from other law schools is the students it attracts. FIU Law students work harder, reach higher, and endure longer than law students at any other law school in Florida. I joined FIU Law because I wanted to be a part of that.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is having professors who take the time to mentor me outside of the classroom.
Marcus Leonard
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: mleon157@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, Fl
Legal Affiliation: H.T. Smith Black Law Student Association - Vice President, Caribbean Student Bar Association – Treasurer, Haitian American Law Student Association – Treasurer
Why FIU Law? I'm a Panther through and through. From my time as an undergrad on campus, I knew I wanted to attend the college of law here at FIU. The faculty and staff have surpassed all expectations. All the professors are extremely knowledgeable, resourceful, and push their students to succeed. Did I forget to mention the bar passage rate?
My favorite thing about FIU Law? The sense of community is truly authentic. Everyone including students, alumni, and professors are willing to lend a helping hand as you pursue your academic and career goals. FIU Law is more than a school it’s a family.
Liane Martinez
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email: lmart328@fiu.edu
Hometown: Newark, NJ
Legal Affiliation: Negotiation & Mediation Team – Co-President, Moot Court, Law Review, Mindfulness Association, Marijuana Legal Education Society, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law? Location was very important to me. I wanted to attend law school in a city I loved. By attending FIU Law, I was able to remain in South Florida while receiving a quality education. I also knew I wouldn't have to worry about passing the bar because of FIU's past success.
My favorite thing about FIU Law? The community and small class sizes. I love that FIU Law feels like a family. Everyone is willing to help each other and there isn't a competitive vibe amongst students. I enjoy the small class sizes because it gives me an opportunity to really get to know my classmates and create long standing relationships. I knew from the day I attended Admitted Students Day that this school was the right place for me.