On behalf of the Middle Eastern Pre-Law Student Association (MELSA), I am thrilled to welcome you and thank you for your interest in our organization. My name is Leena Musharbash, and I am the founder and president of MELSA, as well as a current master's student at UCLA pursuing a dual degree in Geography with minors in Global Studies and Arabic.

 

MELSA was born out of a realization I had during my undergraduate journey at UCLA: the Middle Eastern student community on campus, particularly those aspiring to enter the legal profession, lacked a dedicated space to connect, share resources, and support one another. Recognizing this gap, I felt a responsibility to create an organization that could serve as both a haven and a launchpad for Middle Eastern pre-law students. What started as a local initiative at UCLA is now evolving into a national charter aimed at providing similar opportunities to students across the country.

 

At its core, MELSA is committed to empowering Middle Eastern pre-law students. Whether through fostering a sense of community, providing access to educational resources, or creating pathways for professional development – our commitment remains the same. Our mission is to amplify the voices of Middle Eastern students in legal spaces and to prepare the next generation of leaders who will champion equity within the legal field.

 

Since our beginning, MELSA has made a tangible impact. At UCLA, we have cultivated a vibrant community of committed and proactive students. With an exceptional executive board, we have organized LSAT preparation sessions, partnered with law-focused organizations, hosted networking events with esteemed professionals in the legal field, and are now focused on starting a law journal to provide a space for legal-based dialogue. These efforts have enhanced our members' academic and professional journeys and fostered a strong sense of belonging and pride in our shared heritage.

 

Looking ahead, our vision is to expand MELSA's reach and impact. We aim to establish chapters at universities nationwide, ensuring that every Middle Eastern pre-law student has access to the resources, mentorship, and support they need to succeed. Through this expansion, we aim to inspire a generation of Middle Eastern lawyers who will make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader legal landscape.

 

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible UCLA board members, whose passion and hard work have laid the foundation for MELSA's success. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping MELSA into the thriving organization it is today, and I am endlessly grateful for their commitment.

 

Thank you for your support of MELSA and our mission.

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