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Student Ambassadors

Meet Our Student Ambassadors

FIU Law Ambassadors are available to help prospective students, their families and the FIU community get an inside view of what FIU Law is really about. Student Ambassadors are leaders and come from different backgrounds, with varying undergraduate degrees from universities around the country. They serve as the link between the current law school community and the future student body.
Adam Abdin

Adam Abdin

Undergraduate Institution: Florida Atlantic University
Email Address: aabdi009@fiu.edu
Hometown: Lake Worth, FL

School Involvement: Law Review, Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association (MENA), Peer Mentor, S1GS

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because it stands out as an international university deeply rooted in a multicultural community. As a minority student, I feel genuinely represented and heard at FIU, where diversity isn’t just a statistic but a core value that represents every aspect of the law school experience.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? Friendliness of my peers and colleagues!

Alisa Azzarelli

Undergraduate Institution: Saint Leo University
Email Address: aazza006@fiu.edu
Hometown: Long Island, NY

School Involvement: Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society (Treasurer), The Federalist Society (Treasurer), Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (Treasurer), SBA Alumni Committee Vice Chair

Why FIU Law? Coming from out of state, I was looking for a law school environment where I could be challenged intellectually but also feel like I was home. When considering other schools, the passion, positivity, and sense of community at FIU Law stood out to me more than anywhere else- the ambassadors were proud to represent, the professors and faculty were more than happy to spend time answering questions, and the students I spoke to were honest and welcoming. Now as a student, I could not be more confident that I made the right choice to study here at FIU Law.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The range of events & ways to get involved!

Chase Buchanan

Chase Buchanan

Undergraduate Institution: McMaster University
Email Address: ca.buchanan00@gmail.com
Hometown: Lambeth, ON, Canada

School Involvement: Law Review, Negotiation and Mediation Team

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law as a Canadian because it offers a strong legal education with a focus on practical experience, which was important to me as a first-generation lawyer. The diverse and welcoming environment at FIU made it an ideal place to grow, and the chance to live in Miami, with its rich culture and warm climate, was a big plus—especially as a way to get away from the snow.

Favorite things about FIU Law? A great sense of community and camaraderie among the students!

Faitherly Caudio

Faitherly Caudio

Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University
Email Address: fcaud003@fiu.edu
Hometown: Fleming Island, FL

School Involvement: Haitian-American Law Students Association, Black Law Student Association, Stonewall Legal Alliance, Moot Court Team, Peer Mentor

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I wanted to learn in a diverse environment that reflects the communities I plan to serve. FIU Law is home to many communities full of individuals striving for greatness. Its international perspective and thriving network of public interest opportunities were unmatched in my eyes. Finally, I chose FIU Law because its hard-earned accolades, like its bar-pass rate and post-graduation employment rate, convinced me that attending FIU Law would ensure my future success.

Favorite things about FIU Law? The library is 24/7 for law students.

Justin Cintron

Justin Cintron

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email Address: jcint020@fiu.edu
Hometown: Clermont, FL

School Involvement: FIU Law Review Staff Member, Peer Mentor, and First Generation Lawyer Society Member

Why FIU Law? Aside from the great campus and nice location, I was drawn to the culture of FIU. FIU Law is gaining a lot of recognition now for its success and I wanted to be a part of a culture where students are working hard to grow themselves and the school. The hard-working culture is inspiring and I think it has sharpened me as a student and a person.

Favorite things about FIU Law? The professors. FIU Law has great professors who are captivating lecturers and who want to help their students succeed.

Aaron Colina

Aaron Colina

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Florida
Email Address: Acoli026@fiu.edu
Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA

School Involvement: Law Review, FIU Law Study Abroad

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I wanted to be comfortable in the best possible learning environment. The school faculty, staff, and students made me feel welcome in a new city.

Favorite things about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is the diverse student body.

Jefflyne Desilme

Jefflyne Desilme

Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida
Email Address: jdesi030@fiu.edu
Hometown: Key West, FL

School Involvement: FIU Law Review; FIU Moot Court Board of Appellate Advocates; Haitian American Law Student Association; FIU Law Peer Mentor

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I had an opportunity to meet some faculty members before coming to the school, and I felt like they cared about investing in our education. I toured the school, and I liked it a lot. I spoke with many students, and they genuinely feel like FIU Law is equipping them with the tools to be successful in the legal profession. Aside from the school’s bar passage rates, the FIU Law community attracted me to the school.

Favorite things about FIU Law? I love the FIU Law community and the support you receive from the school.

Adham Fathy

Adham Fathy

Undergraduate Institution: Keystone College
Email Address: afath007@fiu.edu
Hometown: Marcus Hook, PA

School Involvement: Society of 1st Gen Students, Trial Team, SBA Wellness Committee Chair

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I wanted to go somewhere completely new. I left my home in the Philadelphia area, over a thousand miles away from family or hometown friends, and since my decision, I have never been happier. I have met people I like to call my family, and now I call FIU Law my home.

Favorite things about FIU Law? The community FIU Law has.

Stella Garcia

Stella Garcia

Undergraduate Institution: Mount Holyoke College
Email Address: Sgarc361@fiu.edu
Hometown: Hollywood, FL

School InvolvementLaw Review; Teaching Assistant for LSV1; FBA secretary

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because of the community. As a first generation student, going to a law school where I felt supported was extremely important to me. Not only does FIU Law offer an incredible curriculum, the professors and professional staff are always there to help you. Whether you need some more help understanding the course material, finding a job, or even some extra support, there will always be someone at FIU Law there to help guide you. Coming to FIU Law was the best choice I have made for myself!

Favorite things about FIU Law? The people!

Noah Fineberg

Noah Fineberg

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email Address: nfine004@fiu.edu
Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida

School Involvement: Jewish Law Student Association (President), College of Law Senator, Graduate and Professional Student Committee (Chair)

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I wanted to be back in South Florida to be near my family. But South Florida also has a plethora of opportunities for law students to get involved in the large but tight-knit legal community. At FIU, everyone has each other’s backs and the faculty deeply care about the success of each student.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The people!

Samantha Hernandez

Samantha Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: Miami Dade College, George Washington University
Emailshern275@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, Florida

School Involvement: LSV Teaching Assistant

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because its smaller community offers a more personalized learning experience, where I can truly engage with professors and classmates instead of feeling lost in a large crowd. From the moment I stepped on campus for a tour, the warm, welcoming attitude of the staff and students stood out to me. That supportive, friendly environment hasn’t wavered, making me feel like I belong here. Beyond the community aspect, the school’s outstanding bar passage rate, which is the highest in Florida, solidified my decision, as I wanted to be confident that my education would set me up for future success in my legal career.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is that it’s a small, close-knit community where everyone is genuinely willing to help out fellow students. The support and camaraderie here makes it an exceptional place to learn and grow, both personally and academically.

Abigail Hunt

Abigail Hunt

Undergraduate Institution: SUNY Plattsburgh
Email Address: ahunt061@fiu.edu
Hometown: Lake George, New York

School Involvement: FIU Law Review; FIU Student Ambassador; Criminal Law Society (President); Peer Mentor Program (President), Society of First Generation Students (Marketing Director), Women Law Society (3L Rep)

Why FIU Law? FIU Law has so many opportunities, a sense of community, and a great support system from faculty, staff, and administration. When I toured during the application cycle, I got a great sense of that and knew I wanted to go here immediately.

Favorite thing about FIU law? The community and support

Dalen Hutchison

Dalen Hutchison

Undergraduate Institution: Oklahoma State University
Email Address: dhutc024@fiu.edu
Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK

School Involvement: SEFA President, NAMT Vice President of External Competitions

Why FIU Law?  I chose FIU Law because it has sat atop the list of bar passage rates in Florida for several consecutive years. A law degree is great, but passing the bar is better. FIU Law prepares its students better than any other law school in Florida.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? Bar Passage Rate.

Anthony Lopez

Anthony Lopez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida
Email Address: alope899@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL

School Involvement: Immigration Law Society, Stonewall Legal Alliance, American Constitution Society

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law for a variety of reasons. As a first-generation student from a low income background, value was the key to my decision. With low tuition rates, high bar passage rates, and high post-graduation employment rates, FIU Law sets the standard for value in graduate education. I can study and, eventually, practice in my hometown while attending a reputable school.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The unpretentious attitude of the faculty and student body.

Mateo Lopez

Mateo Lopez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email Address: mlope511@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL

School Involvement: Nocturnal Integrated Group Hosting Topics of Working Law Students (NIGHTOWLS)

Why FIU Law? I work full-time for the District 3 School Board Representative for Miami-Dade County and my experience as a public servant inspired me to apply to law school. FIU Law has an incredible evening program that has allowed me to balance work and school.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? My evening cohort!

Alisha Michel

Alisha Michel

Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: amich035@fiu.edu

Hometown: Miami, FL

School Involvement: BLSA, HALSA, and Law Review

Why FIU Law? FIU College of Law is like my second home. The people, the faculty and staff and the environment is very welcoming and makes me feel safe during the toughest time in my academics!

My favorite thing about FIU Law? All of the resources.

Noah Netko

Noah Netko

Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University
Email Address: nnetk001@fiu.edu
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

School Involvement: Hispanic Law Student Association (HLSA), Haitian Law Student Association (HALSA), Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association (MENA), Environmental Law Society, Animal Legal Defense, Society for First Generation Students, SEFA, SBA, Human Rights Society, Women Law Society, BLSA, Stonewall Legal Alliance, Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA), FBLA

Why FIU Law? Full scholarship, environmental law fellowship, highest bar passage, affordable, nice kids, better tours.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The sense of community.

Gabriella Nuñez

Gabriella Nuñez

Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University
Email Address: gnune061@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL

School Involvement: Criminal Law Society, Peer Mentor, Public Interest Network, Lexis Representative

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because of its commitment to student success. The faculty at FIU Law are deeply passionate about their area of expertise and genuinely invested in student development. FIU Law has a place for everyone and ensures that each student feels included, supported, and valued.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is its smaller class size. Smaller classes create a personalized educational experience where you become close with professors and peers.

Yessenia Plata

Yessenia Plata

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Florida
Email Address: yrodr298@fiu.edu
Hometown:

School Involvement: Law Review, Staff Member; Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, President; If/When/How, Vice President; Environmental Law Society, Treasurer

Why FIU Law? I decided to attend FIU Law because FIU Law has a beautiful, small campus, the highest bar passage rate, and a great, friendly community to engage with and learn from.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? My favorite thing about FIU Law is the size. I love getting to know my classmates and professors and having smaller class sizes.

Shreya Rao

Shreya Rao

Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida
Email Address: srao016@fiu.edu
Hometown: Grand Blanc, MI

School Involvement: SBA Alumni Committee Chair, Vice President Peer Mentor Society

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because I felt like FIU Law cares about who I am as a person, rather than who I am on paper. FIU Law puts great efforts towards making sure that every student has access to the resources they need to be successful. Moreover, the student culture at FIU Law is very collaborative and everyone genuinely cares about each other’s well-being. I have made lifelong friends at FIU Law and I believe everyone can find their community here.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The amenities and resources available to students (especially the law library).

Dayna Rieger

Dayna Rieger

Undergraduate Institution: Flagler College
Email: drieg005@fiu.edu
Hometown: Phillipsburg, NJ

School Involvement: Law Review Staff Member; American Constitution Society (Vice President); Women’s Law Society (Mentorship Director); Federal Bar Association (Treasurer); Stonewall Legal Alliance (Treasurer); Public Interest Network (Secretary); Immigration Law Society (Secretary)

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because of our excellent academic program. The professors are excellent and the bar passage rate is hard to pass up. FIU is also in an exciting location with opportunities to pursue tons of different types of law and network with lots of diverse people. I was also very interested in the immigration clinic after hearing great things about it.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? Getting involved! Tons of leadership opportunities and ways to network.

Norhan Saber

Norhan Saber

Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida
Email Address: nsabe002@fiu.edu
Hometown: Panama City, FL

School Involvement: FIU Trial Team, Research Assistant, Middle Eastern & North African Law Student Association, Criminal Law Society

Why FIU Law? FIU left a lasting impression on me from the first phone call I had with an ambassador. I chose FIU Law because I truly felt like everyone at this school is invested in your success.

My favorite thing about FIU Law? The people.

Ruquyyah Smith

Ruquyyah Smith

Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email Address: rsmit218@fiu.edu
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

School Involvement: BLSA, FIU Law Review, FIU Trial Team

Why FIU Law? I chose FIU Law because of the environment. The culture of FIU Law is supportive and collaborative. As students, we are each other’s biggest supporters here. In addition to fellow students’ support, faculty support for student success has created an environment that allows students to excel academically and professionally. Choosing FIU Law allowed me the opportunity to get involved in some of the amazing organization that are offered at this school.

My favorite thing about FIU Law?  My favorite thing about FIU law is the community that has been created here.

Sunny Toreihi

Sunny Toreihi

Undergraduate Institution: Rollins College
Email Address: store001@fiu.edu
Hometown: Winter Park, FL

School Involvement: Moot Court Team (VP of External Competitions); Women’s Law Society (President); Latin American and Caribbean Law Review (Staff Member); Employment and Labor Law Society (3L Rep)

Why FIU Law? I was born and raised in Florida and went to a small private college in my hometown. I cared about finding a university that was in Florida, had a small but empowering law school community, and had meaningful extracurriculars. FIU Law met all three of these criteria for me and I found activities that brought joy and fulfillment in my law school experience!

My favorite thing about FIU Law? I love competing with the Moot Court team!

Grace VanHooser

Grace VanHooser

Undergraduate Institution: University of Georgia
Email Address: gvanh002@fiu.edu
Hometown: Flowery Branch, GA

School Involvement: Public Interest Network, Peer Mentors, Immigration Law Society, International Law Student Association

Why FIU Law? I was drawn to FIU because of the location and its proximity to the large legal community in South Florida! Also, living near the beach makes law school more fun! I felt that by going to a relatively young law school, I had more of an opportunity to leave a lasting impact!

My favorite thing about FIU Law? I love the close-knit community that exists between the students and the professors!