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2024-2025 WRBLSA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Troi Madison Newman
Western Regional Chair
(she/her)
University of Arizona College of Law
Troi Madison Newman (she/her), a black-indigenous enrolled member of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland, is a third-year law student at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in the Indigenous Peoples & Policy Law Program (IPLP) certificate. Troi has a strong interest in Sports Law, as well as Environmental Law, specifically focusing on racial discrimination in environmental policy-making that deliberately targets indigenous communities' water, land, and food sovereignty, as well as, racial injustice.
Before law school, Troi's dedication to her advocacy work was evident. When she wasn't freelancing graphic designs, she served as a paralegal for All Native Group (ANG), a government contractor for Ho-Chunk Inc. of Ho-Chunk Nation. In addition, Troi is notably known for advocacy, public speaking, and involvement with various local, regional, and national law student organizations. Troi is also the Area 5 Representative for the National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA).
Troi received her B.S. from Frostburg State University and her M.P.S. from George Washington University, and she is a Class of 2022 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) graduate of the American Indian Law Center (AILC). This Fall 2024 semester Troi will serve as a judicial extern for Senior Judge Raner C. Collins at United States District Court of Arizona.
(she/her)
University of Arizona College of Law
Troi Madison Newman (she/her), a black-indigenous enrolled member of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland, is a third-year law student at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in the Indigenous Peoples & Policy Law Program (IPLP) certificate. Troi has a strong interest in Sports Law, as well as Environmental Law, specifically focusing on racial discrimination in environmental policy-making that deliberately targets indigenous communities' water, land, and food sovereignty, as well as, racial injustice.
Before law school, Troi's dedication to her advocacy work was evident. When she wasn't freelancing graphic designs, she served as a paralegal for All Native Group (ANG), a government contractor for Ho-Chunk Inc. of Ho-Chunk Nation. In addition, Troi is notably known for advocacy, public speaking, and involvement with various local, regional, and national law student organizations. Troi is also the Area 5 Representative for the National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA).
Troi received her B.S. from Frostburg State University and her M.P.S. from George Washington University, and she is a Class of 2022 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) graduate of the American Indian Law Center (AILC). This Fall 2024 semester Troi will serve as a judicial extern for Senior Judge Raner C. Collins at United States District Court of Arizona.
Ariel Archie
Vice-Chair
(he/him)
Seattle University School of Law
Ariel Archie (he/him) is a third-year law student at Seattle University School of Law. Ariel was born and raised in Washington. Ariel is interested in litigation, including Civil Rights, Criminal and Civil.
Before law school, Ariel earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University. After completing his Bachelor’s, Ariel began working for Amazon as a Human Resources Assistant before becoming a Human Resources program manager. As a program manager, he oversaw the centralization, optimization, and automation of global work. In addition to his duties as a program manager, Ariel also served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion, responsible for developing and implementing DEI committees at Amazon. He also worked with directors across Amazon to create specific and measurable goals to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within their teams.
Since starting law school, Ariel has been a First-Year Fellow, Vice-President and President of Seattle University School of Law’s Black Law Students Association, Vice-President of Seattle University School of Law’s OUTLaws, and has competed in numerous Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions, including taking First Place at the Constance Baker Motley mock trial competition at the 2024 WRBLSA Regional Convention. This Fall, Ariel will serve as a judicial extern to the Honorable Jamal Whitehead of the Western District Court of Washington.
(he/him)
Seattle University School of Law
Ariel Archie (he/him) is a third-year law student at Seattle University School of Law. Ariel was born and raised in Washington. Ariel is interested in litigation, including Civil Rights, Criminal and Civil.
Before law school, Ariel earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University. After completing his Bachelor’s, Ariel began working for Amazon as a Human Resources Assistant before becoming a Human Resources program manager. As a program manager, he oversaw the centralization, optimization, and automation of global work. In addition to his duties as a program manager, Ariel also served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion, responsible for developing and implementing DEI committees at Amazon. He also worked with directors across Amazon to create specific and measurable goals to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within their teams.
Since starting law school, Ariel has been a First-Year Fellow, Vice-President and President of Seattle University School of Law’s Black Law Students Association, Vice-President of Seattle University School of Law’s OUTLaws, and has competed in numerous Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions, including taking First Place at the Constance Baker Motley mock trial competition at the 2024 WRBLSA Regional Convention. This Fall, Ariel will serve as a judicial extern to the Honorable Jamal Whitehead of the Western District Court of Washington.
Monét Smith
Chief of Staff
(she/her)
Southwestern Law School
Monét Smith is a third-year law student at Southwestern Law School. Monét was raised in Compton and South Central where she grew a passion for fair justice for marginalized communities. Monét’s legal interest includes Venture Capital and Criminal law; Venture Capital because we live in a time where small/micro businesses, especially minority owned, may lack resources or opportunities with larger scaled businesses that want to acquire their ideas for a significant amount of money; and Criminal law because that’s her passion, she plans to provide pro bono service for this category. Monét’s long term goal is to be a Judge.
Before law school, Monét acquired a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Monét also acquired a Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in Criminal law and Business law from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. While attending law school, Monét has served as Secretary for Intellectual Property Law Society and Black Law Students Association at Southwestern; and she is now the President of the Black Law Students Association on her law school campus. Based on prior secretarial experience, Monét now serves as the Secretary for Western Region Black Law Students Association. Besides extra-curricular activities, Monét has had two judicial extern opportunities, one at the Superior Court of California and the other for the California Court of Appeals.
(she/her)
Southwestern Law School
Monét Smith is a third-year law student at Southwestern Law School. Monét was raised in Compton and South Central where she grew a passion for fair justice for marginalized communities. Monét’s legal interest includes Venture Capital and Criminal law; Venture Capital because we live in a time where small/micro businesses, especially minority owned, may lack resources or opportunities with larger scaled businesses that want to acquire their ideas for a significant amount of money; and Criminal law because that’s her passion, she plans to provide pro bono service for this category. Monét’s long term goal is to be a Judge.
Before law school, Monét acquired a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Monét also acquired a Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in Criminal law and Business law from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. While attending law school, Monét has served as Secretary for Intellectual Property Law Society and Black Law Students Association at Southwestern; and she is now the President of the Black Law Students Association on her law school campus. Based on prior secretarial experience, Monét now serves as the Secretary for Western Region Black Law Students Association. Besides extra-curricular activities, Monét has had two judicial extern opportunities, one at the Superior Court of California and the other for the California Court of Appeals.
Justin Powell
Treasurer
(he/him)
Stanford Law School
Justin Powell is a second-year law student at Stanford Law School, where he serves as President of the Stanford Entertainment and Sports Law Association and is a board member of the Black Law Students Association. Jusrin graduated from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business in December 2022 magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Music Industry.
Justin has built a strong foundation in the legal field through his work at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, where he first joined as an SEO Fellow and then as a 1L Summer Associate. He will be returning to McDermott next summer while also splitting his time with O’Melveny & Myers LLP. While in undergrad, Justin gained significant industry experience working as a Coordinator at Affective Music. His experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the industry.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Justin is deeply committed to fostering equitable practices in the entertainment and sports industries. As President of the Stanford Entertainment and Sports Law Association, he champions initiatives that promote equity, access, and representation. Justin strives to create opportunities for fellow students to engage with industry leaders and gain practical insights into sports and entertainment law. His dedication to community empowerment and social justice drives his efforts to ensure that these industries become more inclusive and sustainable for underrepresented communities. Justin currently serves as the Treasurer for Western Region Black Law Students Association.
(he/him)
Stanford Law School
Justin Powell is a second-year law student at Stanford Law School, where he serves as President of the Stanford Entertainment and Sports Law Association and is a board member of the Black Law Students Association. Jusrin graduated from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business in December 2022 magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Music Industry.
Justin has built a strong foundation in the legal field through his work at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, where he first joined as an SEO Fellow and then as a 1L Summer Associate. He will be returning to McDermott next summer while also splitting his time with O’Melveny & Myers LLP. While in undergrad, Justin gained significant industry experience working as a Coordinator at Affective Music. His experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the industry.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Justin is deeply committed to fostering equitable practices in the entertainment and sports industries. As President of the Stanford Entertainment and Sports Law Association, he champions initiatives that promote equity, access, and representation. Justin strives to create opportunities for fellow students to engage with industry leaders and gain practical insights into sports and entertainment law. His dedication to community empowerment and social justice drives his efforts to ensure that these industries become more inclusive and sustainable for underrepresented communities. Justin currently serves as the Treasurer for Western Region Black Law Students Association.
Donald Bullock
Attorney General
(he/him)
Southwestern Law School
Donald Bullock is a third-year law student at Southwestern Law School. At Southwestern, Donald is very involved in his community there. He is currently Dean’s Fellow mentoring 1L students academically, a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law and Criminal law, on the Peer Mentor Advisory Board, and the Co-Vice President for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
Prior to law school, Donald obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Psychology and a minor in Political Science from Vanguard University graduating Summa Cum Laude and in the top ten percent of his class. Donald started his heart and career in advocacy serving as his schools Internal Vice President where he spearheaded important institutional level changes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in his prior university.
Donald came to law school to make a difference in his community. As a future attorney, Donald aspires to work in criminal defense. Over the past 16 months and counting, Donald has served as a law clerk at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Seeking to uphold the constitutional rights of individuals charged with crimes has been an incredibly rewarding experience and Donald seeks to continue fighting for their rights. During his time at the Public Defender’s Office, Donald has conducted numerous client interviews and their arraignments, and drafted various pre-trial motions.
(he/him)
Southwestern Law School
Donald Bullock is a third-year law student at Southwestern Law School. At Southwestern, Donald is very involved in his community there. He is currently Dean’s Fellow mentoring 1L students academically, a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law and Criminal law, on the Peer Mentor Advisory Board, and the Co-Vice President for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
Prior to law school, Donald obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Psychology and a minor in Political Science from Vanguard University graduating Summa Cum Laude and in the top ten percent of his class. Donald started his heart and career in advocacy serving as his schools Internal Vice President where he spearheaded important institutional level changes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in his prior university.
Donald came to law school to make a difference in his community. As a future attorney, Donald aspires to work in criminal defense. Over the past 16 months and counting, Donald has served as a law clerk at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Seeking to uphold the constitutional rights of individuals charged with crimes has been an incredibly rewarding experience and Donald seeks to continue fighting for their rights. During his time at the Public Defender’s Office, Donald has conducted numerous client interviews and their arraignments, and drafted various pre-trial motions.
Destinee Dickson
Parliamentarian
(she/her)
University of California, Los Angeles College of Law
Destinee Dickson is currently a 2L student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, with a focus on Critical Race Studies. Destinee was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Destinee is driven to deepen her understanding of litigation and its pivotal role in promoting justice and equality. She is actively involved in her legal education and serves as the External Vice President of her law school’s Student Bar Association.
Before attending law school, Destinee was a dedicated advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), working in the Liberty Division of the National Political Advocacy Department. There, she addressed critical issues such as women's rights, reproductive freedom, and disability rights. Notably, Destinee supported the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the first labor bill passed in a decade.
Destinee is an alumna of the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated magna cum laude with dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science (with a concentration in Election and Campaign Management) and Women's & Gender Studies. At OU, she co-founded the Black Emergency Response Team, a proactive group fighting systemic racism on campus and advocating for meaningful institutional change.
This year, Destinee will serve as Parliamentarian for the Western Region of the Black Law Students Association.
(she/her)
University of California, Los Angeles College of Law
Destinee Dickson is currently a 2L student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, with a focus on Critical Race Studies. Destinee was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Destinee is driven to deepen her understanding of litigation and its pivotal role in promoting justice and equality. She is actively involved in her legal education and serves as the External Vice President of her law school’s Student Bar Association.
Before attending law school, Destinee was a dedicated advocate at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), working in the Liberty Division of the National Political Advocacy Department. There, she addressed critical issues such as women's rights, reproductive freedom, and disability rights. Notably, Destinee supported the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the first labor bill passed in a decade.
Destinee is an alumna of the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated magna cum laude with dual bachelor's degrees in Political Science (with a concentration in Election and Campaign Management) and Women's & Gender Studies. At OU, she co-founded the Black Emergency Response Team, a proactive group fighting systemic racism on campus and advocating for meaningful institutional change.
This year, Destinee will serve as Parliamentarian for the Western Region of the Black Law Students Association.
Miracle Orji
SoCal Sub-Regional Director
(she/her)
University of California, Irvine School of Law
Miracle Orji (she/her) is currently a 2L student at UC, Irvine School of Law. Miracle is a first-generation law student and the only child of two Nigerian immigrants. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, but grew up in Portland, OR. Miracle studied Chemistry at Seattle University for undergrad before moving to Houston to earn her Masters of Public Health. After working in San Diego, CA for a bit, she then started school at UCI Law. Miracle’s legal interests revolve around the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology. At UCI Law Miracle serves as BLSA co-chair for 2024-25, 2L representative for SBA, and Tours and Info session admissions leader. Miracle looks forward to revitalizing and uniting law schools in the Southern California region in her 2024-25 WRBLSA role.
(she/her)
University of California, Irvine School of Law
Miracle Orji (she/her) is currently a 2L student at UC, Irvine School of Law. Miracle is a first-generation law student and the only child of two Nigerian immigrants. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, but grew up in Portland, OR. Miracle studied Chemistry at Seattle University for undergrad before moving to Houston to earn her Masters of Public Health. After working in San Diego, CA for a bit, she then started school at UCI Law. Miracle’s legal interests revolve around the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and technology. At UCI Law Miracle serves as BLSA co-chair for 2024-25, 2L representative for SBA, and Tours and Info session admissions leader. Miracle looks forward to revitalizing and uniting law schools in the Southern California region in her 2024-25 WRBLSA role.
Erin McGuire
Pre-Law Director
(she/her)
University of California, Davis School of Law
Erin McGuire is a rising 3L at the University of California, Davis School of Law, and a proud first-generation student. Originally from Southern California, Erin graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a Legal Studies Certificate from California State University, Long Beach, in 2021.
Erin is deeply committed to criminal defense and seeks to address systemic issues such as mass incarceration, over-criminalization, and racial injustice within the legal system. This summer, Erin is working at the Alameda County Public Defender's Office, defending clients and advocating on their behalf.
Before attending law school, Erin worked as a paralegal at a small firm in Atlanta, Georgia, where she focused on family law and probate matters. This experience gave her insights into the legal profession and reinforced her passion for advocacy and justice. Erin is eager to pursue a career advocating for marginalized communities and striving for a more just legal system.
(she/her)
University of California, Davis School of Law
Erin McGuire is a rising 3L at the University of California, Davis School of Law, and a proud first-generation student. Originally from Southern California, Erin graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a Legal Studies Certificate from California State University, Long Beach, in 2021.
Erin is deeply committed to criminal defense and seeks to address systemic issues such as mass incarceration, over-criminalization, and racial injustice within the legal system. This summer, Erin is working at the Alameda County Public Defender's Office, defending clients and advocating on their behalf.
Before attending law school, Erin worked as a paralegal at a small firm in Atlanta, Georgia, where she focused on family law and probate matters. This experience gave her insights into the legal profession and reinforced her passion for advocacy and justice. Erin is eager to pursue a career advocating for marginalized communities and striving for a more just legal system.
Desirae Ibarra
Director of Community Service
(she/her)
Southwestern Law School
Desirae Ibarra is currently a 3L at Southwestern Law School. She is a proud first-generation college graduate and law student. Desirae joined the traditional day program at Southwestern after earning her B.A. in Politics and Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Desirae pursued law school to make a difference in her community. As a future attorney, she wants to protect indigent clients’ rights through legal representation in criminal matters.
In addition to serving as Director of Community Service for WRBLSA, Desirae serves as Co Vice-President for Southwestern’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law and Criminal Law, Student Ambassador for LegallyFit, Certified Law Clerk for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, a Dean’s Fellow, and a Judge Harry Pregerson Service Fellow.
Desirae has spent hundreds of hours volunteering as a law clerk for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office during her 2L year. This past summer, Desirae was a judicial extern for the United States District Courts, Central District of California, but plans to return to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office during the school year.
(she/her)
Southwestern Law School
Desirae Ibarra is currently a 3L at Southwestern Law School. She is a proud first-generation college graduate and law student. Desirae joined the traditional day program at Southwestern after earning her B.A. in Politics and Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Desirae pursued law school to make a difference in her community. As a future attorney, she wants to protect indigent clients’ rights through legal representation in criminal matters.
In addition to serving as Director of Community Service for WRBLSA, Desirae serves as Co Vice-President for Southwestern’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law and Criminal Law, Student Ambassador for LegallyFit, Certified Law Clerk for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, a Dean’s Fellow, and a Judge Harry Pregerson Service Fellow.
Desirae has spent hundreds of hours volunteering as a law clerk for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office during her 2L year. This past summer, Desirae was a judicial extern for the United States District Courts, Central District of California, but plans to return to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office during the school year.
Davina Wizzard
Director of Programming
(she/her)
University of Arizona College of Law
Davina Wizzard, a first-generation West Indian-American, is entering her third year at the University of Arizona’s College of Law. She is focused on earning certification in intellectual property while also enriching her education in Contracts, Corporate, Sports, and Entertainment law. Her diverse interests reflect her belief in the importance of a well-rounded legal education in today’s complex legal environment.
Davina’s academic journey began at San Francisco State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Creative Writing. She was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her minor in Ethnic Studies, specifically Africana Studies, fortified her understanding of the socio-legal issues affecting marginalized communities, a perspective that continues to inform her current legal studies.
During her undergraduate years, Davina demonstrated a strong commitment to service. She served in San Francisco State University's Black Student Union (BSU), volunteered in underserved communities across San Francisco, and worked as a student assistant in the Division of Equity and Community Inclusion. In law school, her dedication has continued as she recently served as Communications Chair for her local Black Law Students Association (BLSA) chapter, actively supporting her peers and promoting diversity within the legal profession. While her long-term goal is to work as in-house counsel, she remains committed to balancing her career with ongoing service and advocacy.
(she/her)
University of Arizona College of Law
Davina Wizzard, a first-generation West Indian-American, is entering her third year at the University of Arizona’s College of Law. She is focused on earning certification in intellectual property while also enriching her education in Contracts, Corporate, Sports, and Entertainment law. Her diverse interests reflect her belief in the importance of a well-rounded legal education in today’s complex legal environment.
Davina’s academic journey began at San Francisco State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Creative Writing. She was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her minor in Ethnic Studies, specifically Africana Studies, fortified her understanding of the socio-legal issues affecting marginalized communities, a perspective that continues to inform her current legal studies.
During her undergraduate years, Davina demonstrated a strong commitment to service. She served in San Francisco State University's Black Student Union (BSU), volunteered in underserved communities across San Francisco, and worked as a student assistant in the Division of Equity and Community Inclusion. In law school, her dedication has continued as she recently served as Communications Chair for her local Black Law Students Association (BLSA) chapter, actively supporting her peers and promoting diversity within the legal profession. While her long-term goal is to work as in-house counsel, she remains committed to balancing her career with ongoing service and advocacy.
Racaiim McKain
Director of Communications
(he/him)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law
(he/him)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law
Ashley Raines
Director of Regional Competitions
(she/her)
Seattle University School of Law
Ashley Raines (she/her) is currently a third-year law student at Seattle University School of Law, where she specializes in Personal Injury and Civil Rights Litigation. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Ashley demonstrates a profound commitment to serving her community. Her dedication to service is evident in her past roles, including supporting peaceful protesters affected by police brutality in Seattle during the summer of 2020 and aiding families impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
During her undergraduate studies at the University of San Diego, Ashley played a pivotal role in initiatives aimed at enhancing campus safety for BIPOC students. Her efforts were recognized with the University of San Diego Black Student Commons Student Involvement and Leadership award, as well as the Dr. Judy Rauner Award for Social Justice in 2021.
Ashley's advocacy skills were further honed through her participation in the Western Region's 2023-2024 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition, where her team took home first place. She eagerly anticipates putting on another successful competition this year.
(she/her)
Seattle University School of Law
Ashley Raines (she/her) is currently a third-year law student at Seattle University School of Law, where she specializes in Personal Injury and Civil Rights Litigation. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Ashley demonstrates a profound commitment to serving her community. Her dedication to service is evident in her past roles, including supporting peaceful protesters affected by police brutality in Seattle during the summer of 2020 and aiding families impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
During her undergraduate studies at the University of San Diego, Ashley played a pivotal role in initiatives aimed at enhancing campus safety for BIPOC students. Her efforts were recognized with the University of San Diego Black Student Commons Student Involvement and Leadership award, as well as the Dr. Judy Rauner Award for Social Justice in 2021.
Ashley's advocacy skills were further honed through her participation in the Western Region's 2023-2024 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition, where her team took home first place. She eagerly anticipates putting on another successful competition this year.
ABOUT US
The Western Region of the National Black Law Students Association is comprised of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington representing 40 schools and over 350 members. NBLSA's mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
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