Announcing 2025 Fellowship

We are thrilled to announce the second cohort of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship for 2025! Our program officially launches in March, and we couldn’t be more excited. This year’s cohort includes 14 outstanding students and recent graduates from Utah who are deeply passionate about studying and excelling in the legal profession. The 2025 Fellowship consists of nine seminars covering essential topics such as law school applications, the structure and demands of law school; a mentorship experience with attorneys and law students; consultation with a private law school applications consultant; and a fully funded LSAT course. Additionally, Fellows will receive reimbursements for key expenses, including LSAT fees, travel to seminars, and law school application costs. Our first seminar kicks off on March 8, 2025, with sessions held monthly through November. The core mission of the Pre-Law Fellowship is to create a fair and accessible pathway to law school by removing barriers that may discourage aspiring legal professionals. This program is designed to equip students with the tools and support they need to succeed—right here in Utah.

While this opportunity is comprehensive and highly rewarding, it also comes with participation expectations. Fellows are expected to attend and actively engage in all monthly seminars, participate in LSAT exam preparation, consistently track their progress, take an official LSAT exam at least once in 2025, apply to law school by the end of the year, and provide valuable feedback through intake and exit surveys to strengthen the program for future participants.

We are incredibly proud of each fellow’s achievements and their decision to be part of this transformative journey. Please join us in welcoming the 14 participants in our second cohort—learn more about their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations below.

A heartfelt thank you to the generous sponsors who make this program possible:

Utah Bar Foundation

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Litigation Section of the Utah State Bar

W. Bastian Foundation

Cecilia Abalos is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Her involvement in advocacy and volunteer work includes her time as a board member of the University of Utah’s Latinx Student Union, outreach efforts for organizations like the Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition, a student-ambassador at the U’s Center for Student Wellness, among many other experiences. As a first-generation law student, Cecilia aspires to become a lawyer that combines law and social equity in ways that will create meaningful change.

 

Hibba Ahmed will graduate from the University of Utah in May of 2025 with her Bachelor’s in Criminology and Strategic Communications. Having interned with the White House, the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the Mayor’s Office for New Americans & Refugees, and the Utah State Courts, she has experience in legal research, policy analysis, and public administration. Hibba is passionate about advocacy, access to justice, and community engagement, with a particular focus on the intersection of law and public policy. In her last semester, Hibba is currently interning with the Attorney General’s office of Victim Services. She plans to attend law school to further develop her skills in legal research and litigation, with the goal of pursuing a career in human rights law and immigration policy.

 

Monique Aliyah Alires is a dedicated advocate, mental health clinician, and aspiring legal professional. She earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Utah, gaining experience in crisis intervention, research, and legislative advocacy. As a first-generation college graduate, Monique is committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others. In her current work as a mental health clinician, she provides critical support to individuals facing complex challenges. She is also preparing for law school, where she hopes to use her legal education to drive meaningful change, support small business owners, and promote economic prosperity.

 

Jacen Call is a dedicated husband, father of two, and an advocate passionate about legal advocacy and public service. As a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, he takes pride in his heritage and actively participates in inter-tribal policy through the General Council. Despite overcoming dyslexia during his academic journey, Jacen graduated with honors in social work and has gained invaluable experiences at the Utah County Children’s Justice Center as well as Utah County’s Family Justice Center. He is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable populations and plans to pursue law school, blending his passion for justice with his determination to make a lasting impact on others’ lives.

 

James Cardon Leota is a passionate and dedicated individual with a commitment to social justice, equity, and policy change. Raised in a family with diverse cultural backgrounds, James has experienced firsthand the importance of advocacy and community support. He is currently pursuing a degree in Public Health and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. James has worked extensively with underrepresented communities, including Afghan refugees and immigrant populations, and has advocated for policies that address systemic barriers. His long-term goal is to pursue law school, focusing on advocating for social change through the legal system.

 

Coraidna “Itzel” Corona was born in Mexico and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. At the age of 17, she graduated high school and attended California State University of Los Angeles. Where she received a Bachelor of Arts in social work. Itzel became interested in law as she witnessed inequalities in her community. Itzel wishes to use her background in social work to pursue a legal career in public interest law.

 

Kara Givens is a dedicated undergraduate student in the Social Work department at the University of Utah. She has interned with the Utah State Bar’s (USB) Access to Justice program, worked briefly in the USB’s MCLE department, and contributed to various projects across multiple USB departments. Beyond her academic and professional passions, Kara enjoys her time as an assistant softball coach for West Jordan High School. She is deeply motivated by a desire to honor her late mother’s legacy and make her proud.

 

Mari Higuchi holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah. Her experiences and passion for social work—particularly her work with community members at Hartland UNP, her involvement in Hartland’s Youth Center, and her internships at Oluna Law PLLC and the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation—have shaped her desire to pursue a career in the legal field. Mari is now working for the Salt Lake County Youth Services Center, where she will continue applying her social work background to support and advocate for youth. This role further strengthens her commitment to pursuing a career in law, allowing her to gain firsthand experience in the intersection of social services and the legal system.

 

Taija R. Jackson is an educational leader with experience in both K-12 and higher education, as well as private industry. Currently a PhD student specializing in career and technical education, she focuses on the intersection of law, policy, and education for incarcerated and marginalized communities. As Vice President of Student Affairs at a technical college, Taija leads initiatives that foster student success through innovative programs and strategic leadership. She is dedicated to advancing equitable access to education and advocating for policies that create meaningful opportunities for all learners, empowering individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

 

Montse Martinez is a proud first generation university graduate and DACA recipient from Mexico. She graduated from BYU With a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduating, she now works at an immigration and criminal defense law firm, where she is dedicated to helping immigrants navigate the legal system and achieve their aspirations of becoming contributing citizens. Her exposure to the legal field have sparked a strong passion for legislation and have played a pivotal role in advancing her legal career. Montse is grateful to be part of this fellowship and looks forward to law school in the fall of 2026.

 

Beryl is a Filipino who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. As an international student majoring in advertising, she is passionate about self-expression and creativity. With her unique perspective on systemic challenges, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers for underprivileged communities surrounding the field of law and challenging stereotypes. Beryl has a strong interest in politics, equity, accessibility, and activism. Her background has instilled in her a deep desire to support and uplift underserved communities and those around her.

 

Cesar Plascencia is a dedicated aspiring attorney with a passion for diversity and equity in the legal profession. He’s a First generation Mexican-American college senior, who will graduate Spring of 2025 majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. His experience interning at an immigration law clinic deepened his interest in law, particularly in immigration, workplace, and criminal defense law. As a college senior, he seeks to inspire others by pursuing law school and contributing to the growing need for diverse legal professionals. With a strong commitment to justice, he aims to bridge cultural gaps and uplift underrepresented communities.

 

Citlalli Zavala is a proud Chicana and first-generation college graduate from Oakland, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Brigham Young University in December 2024. Passionate about social justice and education, she cares deeply about issues affecting first-gen students, immigrant families, and communities impacted by structural inequalities and poverty. Citlalli hopes to one day become an immigration lawyer so she can give back and make a difference in her community.

 

*This project received funding from the Law School Admission Council, Inc. (LSAC).  The opinions and conclusions contained in this document are the opinions and conclusions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of LSAC.