Cassandra Dhanapala’s involvement with OJEN’s Waterloo Braiding Diversity into Justice Committee began over 2 years ago. As a student at the University of Waterloo, she was invited to join the group of dedicated legal professionals who plan and deliver this popular annual event. Since it launched in 2018, hundreds of high-school aged young women, gender fluid and non-binary youth, who may face various systemic barriers to the legal profession, have gained the confidence to consider a law career.
“The committee was run by Justice Catrina Braid and a committee of really amazing women was helping run that event,” Cassandra remembers. “This year, Justice Braid asked me to help run the inaugural event for undergraduate students.”
Cassandra eagerly took on the challenge of developing a program aimed at demystifying law school for women and non-binary undergraduate students. The format was similar to the high school program, but provided more specific information about the law school application process for students considering this path.
“Speaking from my own experience and experiences I’ve heard from my peers, applying to law school can be a daunting process especially if you don’t know someone who’s been through it before,” Cassandra explained. “Taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can also be very intimidating.”
The program that the committee and Cassandra put together included a virtual panel with representatives from 6 of the 8 Ontario law schools, as well as a presentation on how to prepare for the LSATs. Participants also had opportunities to meet women lawyers from various legal practices, judges and other legal professionals who shared stories and answered questions about their unique career paths, challenges and successes.
A highlight of the event was keynote speaker Leah McNab, Managing Director of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Canada, who provided participants with an inside look at her career in the male-dominated world of sports. Her reflections on overcoming adversity in the workplace and balancing career and family were of special interest to the students.
All of the participating students left with something valuable – whether it was information, inspiration, or a connection with a mentor.
Cassandra explained the importance of the program for students who may be the first in their families to apply to law school. Without a family member in the legal field, the opportunity to connect with women lawyers with similar backgrounds and lived experience can make a big difference. For many young students, the goal of becoming a lawyer can feel distant and out of reach. Knowing that others have faced and overcome challenges gives them confidence that they, too, can overcome their own challenges.
And they’re no longer facing it alone! Cassandra emphasizes, “There’s a network of people who are willing to help you. There’s a network of people who look like me. They’re female, they’re racialized and are able to still thrive in this field.”
Cassandra appreciates the experience she gained through her role on the Braiding Diversity into Justice committee.
“I got to work with some amazing women and take on a bit more of a leadership role,” she said.
“It has been a great networking experience. I have been able to broaden my network, and that has been valuable.”
OJEN thanks Cassandra for her incredible work in helping to organize the first successful Braiding Diversity into Justice program for undergraduate students in Waterloo. As she prepares to begin her own law school journey in the fall of 2025, we all wish her great success!