Fall 2024 Winner of the Community Leaders Scholarship

Yasmeen Asfoor

Yasmeen is a first-year law student studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. With a passion for helping others, Yasmeen is determined to use her law degree for the betterment of society, including enhancing the rights and resources of minors impacted by abusive households. Congratulations, Yaseem, and good luck to you in the future!

Read Yasmeen’s Essay:

From a young age, I was driven to pursue a legal career to empower those silenced by abuse, starting with my own family. Witnessing my mother’s spirit diminish under my father’s violence, I often spoke up for her, facing harsh retaliation. These experiences forged in me a resilient voice that refused to be silenced. My ultimate goal in law is to advocate for abuse victims, reform family law systems, and ensure justice and protection for vulnerable members of society. In September 2023, my sister’s plea for help led me to contact the child abuse hotline, driven by faith in the legal system’s ability to deliver justice. Despite my efforts with CPS and family lawyers, the system failed us, leaving my sister in an abusive home. This experience, though devastating, solidified my resolve to pursue family law and reform a system that should ensure equal justice for all. As a future lawyer, I aim to enhance rights and resources for minors with abusive parents and represent victims of abuse. I plan to advocate for custody arrangements prioritizing children's safety and well-being. Pursuing a legal education will equip me to address systemic flaws within our legal structure. The scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies without financial burden, allowing me to achieve academic excellence and become an effective advocate for those in need. I also aspire to engage in policy advocacy, work with lawmakers, and train law enforcement on recognizing signs of abuse. Volunteering at legal clinics and offering pro bono services will allow me to give back to my community by providing free legal assistance to those who cannot afford representation. My personal experiences fuel my passion for helping families, knowing firsthand the weight of difficult situations. Receiving this scholarship would give me the freedom to focus on my education and make a lasting impact on my community