Deanna Alsbeti
Co-President
Hometown: Homs, Syria
Program/Year: J.D., 2025
“Having been intimately impacted by the effects of the Syrian war at a young age, I developed an intimate awareness of the systemic human rights infringements perpetuated by authoritarian regimes. My exposure to varied legal frameworks and cultural customs during my time in the Middle East fueled my curiosity about the global application of laws and treaties to safeguard and elevate human rights universally. Thus, my interest in international law is rooted in its capacity for safeguarding human rights and establishing sustainable accountability mechanisms.”
Jennifer Dowdy
Co-President
Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Program/Year: J.D., 2025
“My interest in international law stems from my love for cross-cultural interactions and my passion for human rights. My undergraduate studies focused on international relations and French, specifically post-conflict resolution and humanitarian aid. With my J.D., I intend to work in international criminal law to bolster human rights globally. I am particularly interested in the intersections of conflict, human rights, and gender.”
Jessica Swonger
Vice President
Hometown: Olathe, Kansas
Program/Year: J.D., 2025
“International law is essentially the blueprint for how countries navigate their relationships. It's this intricate system of rules and agreements that shape everything from trade to human rights. Delving into it feels like uncovering the inner workings of a complex machine, where each part plays a crucial role in maintaining order and fairness on a global stage. It's both fascinating and vital for understanding how our world functions beyond borders.”
Amal Rass
Director of Events
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Program/Year: J.D., 2025
“I first became interested in international law as a high schooler watching through the news and social media as the Syrian revolution unfolded into the conflict it is today. My interests began with human rights law and have grown over the years to include international criminal law and transitional justice. My hope with earning my J.D. is to help victims of human rights violations access justice in the ways most meaningful to them, whether that be through the courts, through truth commissions, or through reparations programs.”
Elizabeth Sanchez Chang
Director of External Communication
Hometown: USA, Mexico, Korea
Program/Year: J.D./M.A., 2026
“My interest in International Law stems from my undergraduate studies in comparative law at IE University in Madrid, Spain, and experience in international law competitions such as Jessup Moot Court. Some of my specific areas of interest are emerging technologies and their effects on human rights as well as space/aviation law. Moreover, having lived in countries like Mexico, South Korea, and Spain, my cultural background has engrained a passion for global interactions in international law. I hope being in ILSA will allow me to help other like-minded students interested in this field join our active and growing community at WCL.”
Erin Soro
Director of Alumni & External Relations
Hometown: Canada/Cote d'Ivoire
Program/Year: J.D., 2026
“My interest in international law was initially sparked by its influence on global relations, and my diverse background has cultivated an appreciation for cross-cultural interactions. My economics studies underscored the importance of international relations, particularly in trade and development. Exploring international law empowers me to contribute positively to a developing world characterized by justice and peace.”
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