The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) on Feb. 15 held its 15th annual spring reception celebrating the accomplishments of the Asian/Pacific-American legal community and students. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff attended the festive event, many dressed in colorful cultural attire.
Maryland Carey Law Dean Renée McDonald Hutchins offered welcoming remarks in which she expressed her deep appreciation for the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at Maryland Carey Law. “You are a vital thread in the fabric of our community,” she said, “and you foster a sense of belonging among students that we profoundly appreciate.”
APALSA President Faith Kim '25 emceed the event, which was themed, Illuminating the Legal Field. “We are a community defined by our beauty, resilience, and triumph over adversity,” Kim told the crowd.
A highlight of the evening was when Kim introduced this academic year’s APALSA executive board. Members briefly shared details about themselves, including their favorite dishes passed down from family members. Board members for 2023-2024 are:
- President: Faith Kim '25
- Vice President: Meera Balasubramanian '25
- Treasurer: Ron Li '25
- Secretary: Hannah Lee '25
- Spring Reception Co-chairs: Sara Devaraj '25 and Hafsah Mansoori '25
- Professional Development Chair: Min Ji Suh '25
The organization’s faculty advisor is Professor Will Moon.
Sara Devaraj ’25, co-chair of the Spring Reception, introduced the evening’s keynote speaker Deepa Iyler and presented her with the 2024 APALSA Award of Excellence. Iyer, a lawyer and author, leads projects on solidarity and social movements at the nonprofit Building Movement Project.
Following the keynote, Kim presented scholarship awards to two first-year APALSA members. The recipients, Susie Fan ’26 and Rianna Mukherjee ’26 were selected through a competitive process in which applicants submitted essays on the topic of Asian/Pacific-American advocacy.
Hafsah Mansoori ‘25, second co-chair of the Spring Reception, closed out the evening with inspiring remarks on the evening’s theme of shining light on the accomplishments of people in the Asian/Pacific-American legal community. Mansoori urged the audience to embrace their identity and “let our challenges fuel our determination.”