News

Congratulations to third-year Schulich Law student Essie Mehina and the Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association (DBLSA) who each received 2023-2024 Dalhousie Impact Awards on March 28.

The annual event, hosted by the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) in collaboration with Dalhousie University, recognizes outstanding individuals and student groups that impact our community.

Essie Mehina – Faculty Leadership Award

Faculty Leadership Awards are given to undergraduate or graduate students, in good academic standing, who exemplify the highest level of passion for their discipline. They show initiative in creating new opportunities and have a positive impact on their peers, as well as the reputation of their faculty outside of the classroom.

“I am beyond thrilled to receive the Law Faculty Leadership Impact Award,” says Mehina. “It is such a privilege to be a member of the Weldon community, and to have access to so many great opportunities to advance meaningful initiatives and to support one another  with exciting projects.”

Mehina is described by her nominators as a caring, compassionate, and helpful colleague. Her interactions with Schulich Law students, staff, and faculty alike are characterized by a remarkable depth of respect, thoughtfulness, and effectiveness.

Her academic excellence was recognized with the J. Gerald Godsoe Scholarship in Law and with a selection to participate in the prestigious Smith Shield Moot competition where she was celebrated for her skills in advocacy. Her commitment to the broader Dalhousie community and to the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service is demonstrated by her passionate involvement in the Dalhousie Student Advocacy Service (DSAS), including her work as a part of the DSAS policy and outreach committee.

“Some of my favourite memories of law school have been working with inspiring friends and professors on exciting projects, both at Weldon and within the broader Dalhousie community,” she shares. “I am incredibly grateful for all of the support that I have received from dear friends and mentors, and I am so looking forward to continuing to work together to give back to our communities.” 

Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association (DBLSA) -
Most Impactful Social Justice Society Award

The Most Impactful Social Justice Society Award is presented to a Dalhousie University society that upholds social justice principles by its actions. With equitable practices, the society has demonstrated transformative impacts on the community on and/or off-campus through raising awareness, programming, education, advocacy, student engagement, and/or student action.

"Receiving this award was a true honour for the Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association. As a community, we are incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to share our mandate with others, and to be recognized for the work we do and hope to continue doing in the future,” says Teiyana Cain, 1L Representative and VP Communications (Social Media), on behalf of the DBLSA Executive Team.

Committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal community, DBLSA provides its members with a platform to connect, share experiences, and access resources tailored to their unique needs. It plays an instrumental role in advocating for the fair representation of Black legal professionals and addressing systemic barriers faced by Black students in the field of law. DBLSA not only cultivates a strong sense of community in the broader community, but it also works tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard, and their presence is acknowledged within the broader legal landscape.

“It is DBLSA's goal to continue empowering Black law students and give them a space to be fully seen and supported,” says Cain. “We are deeply inspired by our fearless and brilliant students who show us what the world can look like from their unique perspectives, as they are the lifeblood that allows us to achieve everything that we have.”

Congratulations to all who were nomnees and recipients! The full list of winners can be read here.