Diversity Scholar Recipients
Diversity Scholar Recipients
Encouraging diversity and inclusion within the field of ADR
In addition to these individualized grants, the AAA-ICDR Foundation has established diversity scholarships at Howard University and North Carolina Central University, two historically Black colleges and universities that offer certificates in dispute resolution programs in their law schools.
Both scholarships involve a three-year commitment of $150,000, $50,000 annually, to award scholarships to second- or third-year law school students in certificate in dispute resolution programs. Scholarship recipients will be selected yearly, in September, by each law school.
Scholar Recipients
Scholar
Mihika Gupta
Geneva
SCHOOL
Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement
I am a common-law trained and certified attorney from India, currently enrolled in the Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (“MIDS”), specializing in international commercial and investment arbitration. To begin with, my interest in arbitration was fostered early while attending the National Law University Jodhpur, one of India’s premier law schools. My first brush with international arbitration was at the 2016 Vis Moot competition where my team received an Honourable mention. While on the editorial boards of Trade, Law and Development, and the Indian Journal of Arbitration Law, both journals of international repute, I routinely reviewed seminal written works from authors and senior working professionals across the world, which helped me keep abreast of global trade law and arbitration developments. Through this, I realized I had the aptitude for being an international arbitration practitioner.
Being selected as an intern at the renowned Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre was an affirmation of this career trajectory, I had envisioned for myself. I was also selected to attend the International Commercial Arbitration course at the Arbitration Academy in Paris. Before joining the MIDS, I worked for two and a half years as a dispute resolution associate at TRILEGAL, one of India’s tier one business law firms. In this role, I provided legal assistance to state-owned companies and large business clients with global operations in international and domestic arbitral proceedings, both ad-hoc and governed by various institutional rules (e.g., SIAC, LCIA, ICC). The mandates included, amongst others, energy disputes, mergers and acquisitions/shareholder disputes and cross-border disputes arising out of commercial and construction contracts. I conducted legal research, drafted the pleadings, assisted in the oral arguments as well as handled tasks such as filings, managing client relationships, and lastly briefing external senior counsel.
Overall, I believe that my work experience has prepared me to confidently handle complex legal disputes with attention to detail and sharp interpersonal skills. The MIDS has greatly shaped my career as an international arbitration practitioner. Not only has it built on my experience but also given me an in-depth understanding of specialized theoretical concepts and principles. The practical approach adopted by the MIDS has helped me fine-tune my expertise thanks to the workshops and classes given by some of the foremost experts in the field. My objective is to graduate with an excellent academic record and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an international arbitration practice.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
Scholar
Charlene Mwaura
Washington, D.C.
SCHOOL
American University Washington College of Law
My interest in International Arbitration and Business Law was sparked during my third year of law school, when I studied the Law of Business Associations and Labor Law. At the time (2015),the Companies Act in Kenya had just been repealed and a new one enacted, altering the formation and composition and regulation of companies. Prior to that came the establishment of the Employment and Labor Relations Court in 2011, established to hear matters pertaining to employment and given the status equivalent similar to the High Court.
After graduating in 2017, I was privileged enough to get my first full-time paid job at a leading Food and Beverage company in Kenya, with operations in three East African countries Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda). Java House allowed me to join them in the capacity of Legal Assistant, aiding in all three countries, to ensure the smooth operations of the company, as well as compliance. Here I harnessed my legal knowledge by applying theoretical applications of the law into practice and thereby securing and maintaining the company’s goodwill. I was also very hands on with the Human Resources department, ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws, across all three regions.
Over the course of my two years at Java House, I became conversant with specific aspects of the law and was even instrumental in the establishment of a comprehensive Company’s Dispute Resolution Process. It was at this stage that my interest in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms was peaked. My past two previous employment experiences allowed me to apply the knowledge I had acquired into practice. Having worked as a Legal Assistant in one of East Africa’s biggest Food and Beverage companies (Java House), I learnt first-hand the importance of having policy that governs business relations. One of my most notable contributions to the company was drafting contracts to facilitate the procurement and supply chain process, as well as drafting part of the Supplier Business Code of Conduct, governing relations between suppliers and the business. Experience working for an international company (WYG Limited) equipped me with the skills and knowledge to draft international contracts and ancillary contractual documents.
My interests are a combination of both my educational background as well as my professional experience. In a world that is moving increasingly away from litigation and embracing Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, it is important to possess dispute resolution skills that are no doubt useful in the diffusion of conflict in contracts and more specifically, investments. My previous experiences both at an academic and professional level, demonstrate that I have a passion for business law. I would gain from mentorship by harnessing my mind and skills into becoming an internationally accredited commercial lawyer, capable of making great contributions to the world of international business law and its practitioners, with the ultimate goal of becoming a member of the North American Branch of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators and a practitioner in the fields of investment arbitration, as well as international commercial arbitration.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
PROGRAM
Masters in International Arbitration and Business Law
Scholar
Anna Jeffries
New York
SCHOOL
I am excited to continue to build my education and skills through this training opportunity made possible by the AAA-ICDR Diversity Scholarship Fund. I strive to play a small part in the transformation of people’s lives, as they are positively impacted by mediation and conflict resolution. I hope to see a growth in mutual understanding and a willingness to have conversation and discourse between opposing sides, whether that is in politics, races, ethnicities, genders, or even two family members.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,295
PROGRAM
General Civil Mediation Skills Training Course
Scholar
John Paul Bongkiyi
Washington, D.C.
SCHOOL
American University Washington College of Law
John Paul Bongkiyi is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Laws and Political Science, University of Buea and the award winner of mediate.com’s paper contest in 2021. He is specialized in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is currently advocating for the regulation of Online Dispute Resolution mechanisms in Cameroon. He hopes his research on dispute resolution will enable him to better contribute to the intersection of access to civil justice, litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution issues in Cameroon and the world at large.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
PROGRAM
Mediation and Arbitration Course Package
Scholar
Oluyemisi Faderin
Ontario, Canada
SCHOOL
College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers
I am a Registered Social Worker with a master’s in social work. I have over 14 years of experience in mental health. I am a member of the College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have extensive experience in working with various age groups and settings. I provide counselling, consultation, in-service training and psychotherapy to adults (18+), seniors and working professionals.
I am a daughter, mother of two lovely children, and a sister who identifies within the BIPOC community. I am fluent in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
PROGRAM
Riverdale Mediation
Scholar
Annanya Chaturvedi
Houston, Texas
SCHOOL
University of Houston Law Center
An immigrant from India. Annanya is a second year law student at the University of Houston Law Center. She is a member of her school’s ADR team and the winner of this year’s intrateam competition. Annanya is interested in exploring alternates to traditional forms of litigation in an effort to provide clients with the best possible solution to their unique situations.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
PROGRAM
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Asia A. Skyers
North Carolina
SCHOOL
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Asia A. Skyers was born and raised in Connecticut and currently resides in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Quinnipiac University in 2016 and a master’s degree in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in 2019. She is currently a Third-Year Law Student at North Carolina Central University School of Law where she is a joint-degree student earning a master’s degree in Information Systems in conjunction with the School of Library Sciences at NCCU. In addition to the JD/MIS program, she is a student earning a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Asia has distinguished herself as a student and, as a result, has been named a 2022-2023 recipient of an AAA-ICDR Foundation Scholarship as well as a 2021-2022 recipient of an Intel Social Justice and Racial Equity (ISJRE) Scholarship. Upon graduation and licensure, Asia plans to practice as a litigator and use the knowledge and skills she has gained to provide the best solutions for her clients both inside and outside the courtroom.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
PROGRAM
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Bamisope Adeyanju
New York
SCHOOL
University at Buffalo (UB) Law School
Bamisope Adeyanju is a 3L at the University at Buffalo (UB) Law School where she serves as an international trade law research assistant for Professor Meredith Lewis. Bami is also the Vice President of the International Law Students Association at UB Law School and was recently appointed as a member of the university-wide International Students Advisory Board.
Prior to her decision to obtain a U.S. law degree, Bami earned an LL.M degree from Columbia Law School, where she served as an editor of the American Review of International Arbitration Journal and worked with the Human Rights Clinic to advance the rights of U.S. communities to adequate and affordable sanitation. Before Columbia Law, Bami earned an LL.B degree from Nigeria and had a stint representing individual and corporate clients in complex commercial transactions and disputes using ADR mechanisms – arbitration, litigation, mediation, and negotiation. She later worked as an NGO legal advisor representing Nigerians in public interest and anti-corruption litigation. Having worked at the intersection of business and human rights, Bami continues to utilize her knowledge in these fields to create sustainable positive change.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
PROGRAM
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Catherine Lynch
Philadelphia
SCHOOL
Drexel Kline School of Law
Catherine Lynch is a first-generation law student and currently 3L at the Drexel Kline School of Law. She looks forward to learning about alternative dispute resolution careers and hopes to one day be involved.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
PROGRAM
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Constanza Mayz
Alabama
SCHOOL
University of Alabama School of Law
Constanza Mayz is a 3L at the University of Alabama School of Law interested in arbitration and cross-border disputes. She is a member of various arbitration and international law societies such as the Young-ITA (Institute for Transnational Arbitration), AtlAS (Atlanta International Arbitration Society), and is currently serving as secretary of Alabama Law’s ILSA (International Law Student Association) chapter. After graduation she hopes to develop a career in arbitration.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
PROGRAM
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar Recipients
Scholar
Mihika Gupta
Geneva
School
Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement
I am a common-law trained and certified attorney from India, currently enrolled in the Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement (“MIDS”), specializing in international commercial and investment arbitration. To begin with, my interest in arbitration was fostered early while attending the National Law University Jodhpur, one of India’s premier law schools. My first brush with international arbitration was at the 2016 Vis Moot competition where my team received an Honourable mention. While on the editorial boards of Trade, Law and Development, and the Indian Journal of Arbitration Law, both journals of international repute, I routinely reviewed seminal written works from authors and senior working professionals across the world, which helped me keep abreast of global trade law and arbitration developments. Through this, I realized I had the aptitude for being an international arbitration practitioner.
Being selected as an intern at the renowned Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre was an affirmation of this career trajectory, I had envisioned for myself. I was also selected to attend the International Commercial Arbitration course at the Arbitration Academy in Paris. Before joining the MIDS, I worked for two and a half years as a dispute resolution associate at TRILEGAL, one of India’s tier one business law firms. In this role, I provided legal assistance to state-owned companies and large business clients with global operations in international and domestic arbitral proceedings, both ad-hoc and governed by various institutional rules (e.g., SIAC, LCIA, ICC). The mandates included, amongst others, energy disputes, mergers and acquisitions/shareholder disputes and cross-border disputes arising out of commercial and construction contracts. I conducted legal research, drafted the pleadings, assisted in the oral arguments as well as handled tasks such as filings, managing client relationships, and lastly briefing external senior counsel.
Overall, I believe that my work experience has prepared me to confidently handle complex legal disputes with attention to detail and sharp interpersonal skills. The MIDS has greatly shaped my career as an international arbitration practitioner. Not only has it built on my experience but also given me an in-depth understanding of specialized theoretical concepts and principles. The practical approach adopted by the MIDS has helped me fine-tune my expertise thanks to the workshops and classes given by some of the foremost experts in the field. My objective is to graduate with an excellent academic record and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an international arbitration practice.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
Scholar
Charlene Mwaura
Washington, D.C.
School
American University Washington College of Law
My interest in International Arbitration and Business Law was sparked during my third year of law school, when I studied the Law of Business Associations and Labor Law. At the time (2015),the Companies Act in Kenya had just been repealed and a new one enacted, altering the formation and composition and regulation of companies. Prior to that came the establishment of the Employment and Labor Relations Court in 2011, established to hear matters pertaining to employment and given the status equivalent similar to the High Court.
After graduating in 2017, I was privileged enough to get my first full-time paid job at a leading Food and Beverage company in Kenya, with operations in three East African countries Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda). Java House allowed me to join them in the capacity of Legal Assistant, aiding in all three countries, to ensure the smooth operations of the company, as well as compliance. Here I harnessed my legal knowledge by applying theoretical applications of the law into practice and thereby securing and maintaining the company’s goodwill. I was also very hands on with the Human Resources department, ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws, across all three regions.
Over the course of my two years at Java House, I became conversant with specific aspects of the law and was even instrumental in the establishment of a comprehensive Company’s Dispute Resolution Process. It was at this stage that my interest in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms was peaked. My past two previous employment experiences allowed me to apply the knowledge I had acquired into practice. Having worked as a Legal Assistant in one of East Africa’s biggest Food and Beverage companies (Java House), I learnt first-hand the importance of having policy that governs business relations. One of my most notable contributions to the company was drafting contracts to facilitate the procurement and supply chain process, as well as drafting part of the Supplier Business Code of Conduct, governing relations between suppliers and the business. Experience working for an international company (WYG Limited) equipped me with the skills and knowledge to draft international contracts and ancillary contractual documents.
My interests are a combination of both my educational background as well as my professional experience. In a world that is moving increasingly away from litigation and embracing Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, it is important to possess dispute resolution skills that are no doubt useful in the diffusion of conflict in contracts and more specifically, investments. My previous experiences both at an academic and professional level, demonstrate that I have a passion for business law. I would gain from mentorship by harnessing my mind and skills into becoming an internationally accredited commercial lawyer, capable of making great contributions to the world of international business law and its practitioners, with the ultimate goal of becoming a member of the North American Branch of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators and a practitioner in the fields of investment arbitration, as well as international commercial arbitration.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
Program
Masters in International Arbitration and Business Law
Scholar
Anna Jeffries
New York
School
I am excited to continue to build my education and skills through this training opportunity made possible by the AAA-ICDR Diversity Scholarship Fund. I strive to play a small part in the transformation of people’s lives, as they are positively impacted by mediation and conflict resolution. I hope to see a growth in mutual understanding and a willingness to have conversation and discourse between opposing sides, whether that is in politics, races, ethnicities, genders, or even two family members.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,295
Program
General Civil Mediation Skills Training Course
Scholar
John Paul Bongkiyi
Washington, D.C.
School
American University Washington College of Law
John Paul Bongkiyi is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Laws and Political Science, University of Buea and the award winner of mediate.com’s paper contest in 2021. He is specialized in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is currently advocating for the regulation of Online Dispute Resolution mechanisms in Cameroon. He hopes his research on dispute resolution will enable him to better contribute to the intersection of access to civil justice, litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution issues in Cameroon and the world at large.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
Program
Mediation and Arbitration Course Package
Scholar
Oluyemisi Faderin
Ontario, Canada
School
College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers
I am a Registered Social Worker with a master’s in social work. I have over 14 years of experience in mental health. I am a member of the College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have extensive experience in working with various age groups and settings. I provide counselling, consultation, in-service training and psychotherapy to adults (18+), seniors and working professionals.
I am a daughter, mother of two lovely children, and a sister who identifies within the BIPOC community. I am fluent in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin.
GRANT AMOUNT
$2,000
Program
Riverdale Mediation
Scholar
Annanya Chaturvedi
Houston, Texas
School
University of Houston Law Center
An immigrant from India. Annanya is a second year law student at the University of Houston Law Center. She is a member of her school’s ADR team and the winner of this year’s intrateam competition. Annanya is interested in exploring alternates to traditional forms of litigation in an effort to provide clients with the best possible solution to their unique situations.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
Program
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Asia A. Skyers
North Carolina
School
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Asia A. Skyers was born and raised in Connecticut and currently resides in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Quinnipiac University in 2016 and a master’s degree in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in 2019. She is currently a Third-Year Law Student at North Carolina Central University School of Law where she is a joint-degree student earning a master’s degree in Information Systems in conjunction with the School of Library Sciences at NCCU. In addition to the JD/MIS program, she is a student earning a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Asia has distinguished herself as a student and, as a result, has been named a 2022-2023 recipient of an AAA-ICDR Foundation Scholarship as well as a 2021-2022 recipient of an Intel Social Justice and Racial Equity (ISJRE) Scholarship. Upon graduation and licensure, Asia plans to practice as a litigator and use the knowledge and skills she has gained to provide the best solutions for her clients both inside and outside the courtroom.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
Program
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Bamisope Adeyanju
New York
School
University at Buffalo (UB) Law School
Bamisope Adeyanju is a 3L at the University at Buffalo (UB) Law School where she serves as an international trade law research assistant for Professor Meredith Lewis. Bami is also the Vice President of the International Law Students Association at UB Law School and was recently appointed as a member of the university-wide International Students Advisory Board.
Prior to her decision to obtain a U.S. law degree, Bami earned an LL.M degree from Columbia Law School, where she served as an editor of the American Review of International Arbitration Journal and worked with the Human Rights Clinic to advance the rights of U.S. communities to adequate and affordable sanitation. Before Columbia Law, Bami earned an LL.B degree from Nigeria and had a stint representing individual and corporate clients in complex commercial transactions and disputes using ADR mechanisms – arbitration, litigation, mediation, and negotiation. She later worked as an NGO legal advisor representing Nigerians in public interest and anti-corruption litigation. Having worked at the intersection of business and human rights, Bami continues to utilize her knowledge in these fields to create sustainable positive change.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
Program
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Catherine Lynch
Philadelphia
School
Drexel Kline School of Law
Catherine Lynch is a first-generation law student and currently 3L at the Drexel Kline School of Law. She looks forward to learning about alternative dispute resolution careers and hopes to one day be involved.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
Program
AAA Diverse Student Summit
Scholar
Constanza Mayz
Alabama
School
University of Alabama School of Law
Constanza Mayz is a 3L at the University of Alabama School of Law interested in arbitration and cross-border disputes. She is a member of various arbitration and international law societies such as the Young-ITA (Institute for Transnational Arbitration), AtlAS (Atlanta International Arbitration Society), and is currently serving as secretary of Alabama Law’s ILSA (International Law Student Association) chapter. After graduation she hopes to develop a career in arbitration.
GRANT AMOUNT
$1,300
Program
AAA Diverse Student Summit