OJEN’s Justice Education Fellowships are year-long placements that offer law and paralegal students in-depth training in public legal education theory and methods. Each Fellow plans and delivers a minimum of 3 justice education projects in schools in their communities, with support from OJEN’s staff and volunteers from the local legal community.
The Fellowship program helps OJEN expand the reach of our programs into cities across Ontario. It allows us to invest in students who demonstrate an aptitude and interest in public legal education to become more successful legal communicators and professionals.
The 10 students selected for the 2025-26 academic year bring a wide range of personal and professional accomplishments, as well as a passion and commitment to public legal education and access to justice.
We are delighted to announce our new cohort of Justice Education Fellows:
Marlene Nkombo – Marlene is a first-year law student at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies and is committed to public policy and education. During her undergraduate studies at UWindsor, she was involved in the Bystander Initiative, promoting awareness and prevention of sexual violence. Marlene sees this fellowship as a chance to develop the skills necessary to help young people engage with and navigate the justice system.
Hooria Katal – Hooria is going into her last year as a student in the JD/MA program at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. She is currently working as a legislative intern with Senator Marilou McPhedran. Hooria’s relationship with OJEN began in high school, where she participated in our mock trials. She received an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies and a Diploma in Community and Justice Services.
Andrei Uzumtoma – Andrei is a first-year law student in the Faculty of Law, Queen’s University. He is passionate about education and youth advocacy. Andrei is a gymnast and gymnastics instructor and is currently conducting legal research on Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Mehakpreet Kaur – Mehak is currently doing a field placement at Monkhouse Law and will graduate from Seneca Polytechnics Paralegal Diploma Program in June. She will then attend York University in the fall for Health Studies.
Jazzmine Gabert – Jazzmine is a second-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School. Her interest in law began with OJEN’s high school mock trial competition, later leading her to co-found an undergraduate mock trial in Kitchener-Waterloo. She recently interned with Senator Kim Pate, and will spend the summer at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Passionate about mentorship, Jazzmine is dedicated to helping young professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, navigate their way into the legal field.
Tatyana Johnson – Tatyana is a student in the Paralegal graduate certificate program at Humber Polytechnic. Tatyana previously attended Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance. She has volunteered with Dress for Success Toronto, creating a seminar helping young women prepare for career and networking opportunities.
Yuha Khan – Yuha is a second-year student at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law. During her first year at law school, she volunteered with the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, and with Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS). Previously she worked at the Student Help and Advocacy Centre at the University of Guelph, providing individuals legal support in areas like housing and tenancy.
Maria Foggia – Maria is a second-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She is passionate about public interest advocacy and increasing the accessibility of legal education. Maria is also a peer mentor and volunteers with Level Justice’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP) through Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC).
Emma Snoyer – Emma is a student in the Paralegal diploma program at George Brown College. She completed an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. During this time, Emma completed a placement with Christie Lake Kids, a nonprofit organization that runs programs and camps for youth in Ottawa.
Sara Najib – Sara is a second-year law student at the University of Windsor. She completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Waterloo, where she worked with Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment helping prospective students find their place. As an undergraduate, Sara also volunteered and supported refugees in her community, ultimately completing an internship with an Immigration and Refugee lawyer. In law school, she continued to support community groups as a Pro Bono Student Canada (PBSC) volunteer. During her placement, she delivered survivor family law education to women in vulnerable situations. Sara is also passionate about bridging the gap between technology, legal innovation, and advocacy. She is currently Vice President of Events at Windsor Law’s Legal Innovation Hub where she hopes to advance this cause.
