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Ahria Ilyas

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Finalist

General information

Age
25
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Black/African

Hobbies & Interests

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • Psychology
  • Music
  • Community Service And Volunteering

Reading

  • Action
  • Politics
  • Historical
  • Academic

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

Long before I studied the law, I studied the systems, communities, and stories that reveal why justice is necessary. I am a Juris Doctor candidate at New England Law | Boston dedicated to civil rights, impact litigation, and community-centered advocacy. As a multilingual advocate raised in Boston, my experiences have shaped my commitment to creating legal systems rooted in equity, accountability, and accessibility. For nearly a decade, I have worked at the intersection of law, policy, and education. From youth justice organizing with Boston Public Schools to supporting federal impact litigation addressing constitutional protections and systemic inequities through Public Counsel. Currently, as a Lead Real Estate Paralegal & Legal Assistant, I continue strengthening my litigation, legal writing, and client advocacy skills while supporting housing-related matters. Beyond legal spaces, I remain committed to developing the next generation of leaders. As a Pre-Professional Learning Designer & Educator with The Academy Group Boston, I support high school seniors in building critical thinking, professional communication, leadership, and career-readiness skills necessary to navigate future academic and professional spaces. Across every role, my mission remains consistent: expanding access, amplifying historically marginalized voices, and using advocacy as a tool for meaningful systemic change.

Education

New England Law-Boston

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

2024 – 2027

Majors:
  • Law

Suffolk University

Bachelor's degree program

2019 – 2023

Majors:
  • American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence
Minors:
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Applied Mathematics, General
GPA4.0 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Desired degree modality:
In-Person

Career

  • Special Projects Manager | Alumni Staff Coordinator | Youth Organizer

    Education · Boston Public Schools: Office of Youth Leadership

    Jan 2016 – Jan 2025

  • Pre-Professional Learning Designer

    Education · The Academy Group | Boston

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Legal Assistant/Paralegal

    Law Practice · Schrier & Associates, P.C.

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • YouthWorks Coordinator

    Government Relations · City of Boston: Office of Youth Employment & Opportunity

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
To Become a Civil Rights Attorney Advocating for Youth of Historically Marginalized Communities.
Work experience:
10+ years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Entrepreneurship
Mary P. Perlea Scholarship Fund
This was the beginning of my academic journey; as a naive eleven-year-old surrounded by people who don’t look like me. Having a mocha complexion with dark brown curly hair made me stick out like a sore thumb compared to the “blond-haired blue-eyed perfection” of my other classmates. Not only were the physical characteristics an isolating obstacle, but also the verbal antagonization from other peers. These experiences ignited a flame in me for activism. Transitioning into high school, I was surrounded by more diversity, and peers who are as academically devoted as I am. However, my remaining vulnerability attracted me to people who degraded my intelligence and exploited me. Whether it was with negative comments regarding my ethnic identity or attempting to prevent my educational progression. Yet, I maintained determination and stayed focused educationally. By eleventh grade, I was able to surround myself with people that remain motivated by their goals and inspired positivity within myself. My primary desire is to promote positivity within all people, especially women of color. In social/political circumstances, women of color are stereotyped as uneducated, unorganized, and irate. This transitions into us being completely degraded within the social beauty standards, work environments, and the court of law. With my aspired careers in law and computer science, I can prevent young girls from experiencing the self-doubt that I have endured, and vocalize the rights which all people deserve regardless of the color of their skin or their identity.
Ahria Ilyas Student Profile | Bold.org