Celebrating the accomplishments of individuals and organizations committed to promoting a diverse profession.

Please join us virtually on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 4 p.m.

Santa Clara Law, regularly ranked as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation, recognizes the critical role that diversity plays in our society and in the legal profession. At our annual Diversity and Inclusion Celebration, we recognize the accomplishments of individuals and organizations committed to promoting a diverse profession.

At this year’s virtual event, we will honor the Honorable Nahal Iravani-Sani and the National Black Law Students Association. Three Santa Clara Law students will also receive scholarships at our event.

PROGRAM:

Welcome and Introduction of Interim Dean
Steve O’Brien, Sr. Assistant Dean for External Relations

Remarks
Anna M. Han, Interim Dean

Iron Mountain, Title Sponsor

Presentation of Organization of the Year Award
Leah Mesfin JD ’22 and Alexis Hatcher JD ’22, Santa Clara Law BLSA Co-Presidents

Award Acceptance – National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA)
Rachel E. Barnes, Chair 2020-21
National Black Law Students Association

Presentation of Social Justice and Human Rights Award
Preston Brock JD ’21 and Thi Tran JD ’21, Santa Clara Law SBA Co-Presidents

Award Acceptance of Social Justice and Human Rights Award
The Honorable Nahal Iravani-Sani JD ’93

Introduction of Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Recipients
Karla De La Torre ’09, JD ’14, Director of Student Life

Brief Remarks
Scholarship Recipients

Program Transition to Networking After-Party
Steve O’Brien, Sr. Assistant Dean for External Relations

Zoom Networking After-Party (Attendees, Sponsors, Honorees, Students, Staff)
Karla De La Torre ’09, JD ’14, Director of Student Life
Kendra Livingston JD ’15, Director of External Relations

ABOUT THE HONOREES:

HONORABLE NAHAL IRAVANI-SANI
Santa Clara Law is proud to present the Social Justice and Human Rights Award for 2021 to Nahal Iravani-Sani JD ’93. Judge Iravani-Sani is a Superior Court Judge presiding in Santa Clara County, California. Appointed in 2017 by Governor Brown, she is the first Iranian-American judge to serve on the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Prior to joining the bench, she was a Deputy District Attorney for 22 years prosecuting crimes through all phases of the criminal justice system. Dedicated to education and mentorship, Judge Iravani-Sani instructs Trial Advocacy at Stanford Law School and Santa Clara University School of Law. She enjoys serving as a mentor to the next generation of trial attorneys. As an immigrant to the United States at a young age, Judge Iravani-Sani is passionate about her role as an ambassador of the Iranian-American community, and she recognizes the importance of giving back to her adopted country. She has served in leadership positions on nonprofit community and professional organizations, including the boards of the Iranian American Bar Association, Pars Equality Center, and the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans. The San Francisco Minority Bar Coalition and Santa Clara County Bar Association have recognized her leadership and commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession. In 2017, she was interviewed by the Huffington Post.

THE NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
This year the Organization of the Year award will be given to The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). NBLSA is the largest student-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the country, representing over 200 law schools across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The mission of NBLSA is to increase the number of culturally responsible, Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. Rachel E. Barnes, the 2020-21 Chair and JD/MBA candidate at the University of Virginia, will accept the award.