Diversity Scholar Recipients
Diversity Scholar Recipients
Encouraging diversity and inclusion within the field of ADR
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Fund provides financial assistance of up to $2,000 to students or professionals. This support can be used towards:
· Degree program or fellowship in alternative dispute resolution
· Conference or training program in alternative dispute resolution
The goal is to empower diverse leaders and professionals in ADR by helping them access education and training opportunities that advance their careers and enhance inclusivity within the field.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LAW STUDENTS AT HBCUs
The AAA-ICDR Foundation partners with law schools at two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Howard University and North Carolina Central University – that offer certificates in dispute resolution. Key details include:
· $50,000 awarded annually to each law school.
· Scholarships specifically for second- and third-year law students pursuing certificates in dispute resolution.
· Recipients are selected each year in September by the respective law schools
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
2023 Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
2023 Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Historically Black Colleges and University Scholarship Recipients
Scholar
Stacey Cameron
New York, NY
ABOUT
A native and true Southerner at heart, born and raised in Memphis, TN. Stacey M. Cameron is an Attorney and Advocate of Social Justice.
As an attorney with sixteen years of experience in advocating for clients from all walks of life, and licensed in both Georgia and New York, Stacey is committed to representing clients in need through her law firm: S. M Cameron Law and Mediation, PLLC/ LLC. Stacey’ law firm focuses on assisting clients within Estate Planning, Probate Administration, Guardianship Law and Mediation/ Arbitration.
Furthermore, as an alumna of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in Biology and having worked in both medical and chemical manufacturing laboratories as a scientist before law school, Stacey has a healthy dosage of curiosity for continued learning and growth. She is an enthusiastic leader with a passion and talent for motivating and empowering community through multiple levels and platforms. She has raised and is extremely proud of her two self-aware and outspoken young adult children, Nico and Jalyn.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Higginbotham Fellows Program
Scholar
Nydia Shahjahan
New York, NY
ABOUT
Nydia Shahjahan is the Principal of Nydia Shahjahan, Esq. P.C., a business law practice focused on providing strategic and cost-effective counsel and civil litigation services for the business-minded client.
Ms. Shahjahan graduated from City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law in 2009, and Georgetown University in 2004 with an undergraduate degree in foreign service.
Ms. Shahjahan began her career litigating for the New York State Attorney General Office’s Civil Rights Bureau as an Assistant Attorney General. Thereafter, she associated with the firm Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in the New York office. Ms. Shahjahan represented corporate clients in connection with complex commercial litigation within the financial industry, along with pro bono matters. Building on her experience as a commercial litigator, Ms. Shahjahan formed her business law practice, efficiently providing legal risk management and outside general counsel services to a varied client base ranging from New York-based businesses to international corporations.
Ms. Shahjahan is a trained mediator and consistently advises clients to pursue a business resolution agreeable to the parties to avoid the monetary costs and emotional burden of litigation.
Grant Amount
$500
PROGRAM
Higginbotham Fellows Program
Scholar
Venky Venkatraman
Coppell, TX
ABOUT
A patent Attorney, mediator, and consultant with engineering and management experience, Mr. Vekatraman focused primarily on patent (Intellectual Property) law, business (corporate) law, international law, University Disciplinary Proceedings (Title IX Student Sexual Misconduct Defense), and family law in both transactional and litigation practice. He is currently providing IP related service by leveraging the resources of an established offshore IP Services firm, and is experienced in the areas of electrical engineering and software development on various platforms, mostly in a supervisory capacity.
His extensive management experience ranging from software project management to managing teams of several hundreds of people, both onsite and offshore, supports the Information Technology needs of large US corporations.
He is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). He is credentialed by the Texas Mediator Credentialling Association as an Advanced Mediator, having successfully mediated numerous disputes over several years.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Higginbotham Fellows Program
Scholar
Alejandro Martinez Sanchez
New York, NY
School
Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY
Alejandro Martinez is a Spanish lawyer and an LL.M candidate in Dispute Resolution and Advocacy at Cardozo School of Law. With a strong passion for litigation and international arbitration, Alejandro is dedicated to expanding his knowledge and expertise in this field.
He started his studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where he also did an exchange at Fudan University, in Shanghai. After, he started a double LLM at ESADE, in Barcelona, and as a result of his commitment to dispute resolution he is pursuing an LL.M in Dispute Resolution in New York. In the meantime, he has been actively engaged in courses offered by renowned institutions such as CIARB, ICC, and SIAC. He has practical experience as an arbitrator in moot court competitions and currently coaches the FDI Moot team at Christ University of Bangalore.
In his professional experience, Alejandro has worked in different jurisdictions and with clients from different nationalities, his solid international background and his fluency in different languages have helped him to successfully work in the international sphere. His experience is focused on litigation and international transactions.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
35th Annual ITA Workshop and Annual Meeting
Remedies in International Arbitration: Wielding Arbitral Power for Effective Redress
Scholar
Inigo Kwan Parsons
Australia, Aotearoa
School
LLM (International Arbitration) course at University of Miami School of Law
Inigo is an indigenous lawyer from Aotearoa New Zealand and currently works at Herbert Smith Freehills in Perth, Australia. His practice centers on the resolution of complex disputes in all key fora, with a particular focus on arbitration (both domestic and international). He is dual-qualified in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, and is associated with leading arbitral institutions in both jurisdictions.
Inigo has a wide range of experience working in different sectors, with significant experience in resolving disputes in construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy. He also has a particular interest in legal
issues regarding indigenous rights and climate change, and has authored several articles on arbitration- related issues, including the application of Māori indigenous law in arbitral proceedings.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Hardik Jain
Geneva, Switzerland
ABOUT
Hardik is an India qualified lawyer, who has been admitted for a master’s course at the Geneva LL.M. in
International Dispute Settlement (“MIDS”). He completed his B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) in 2019 from the National Law Institute University, Bhopal, one of the leading law schools in India. He then worked with AZB & Partners and DSK Legal, two premier law firms in India as an associate in the dispute resolution teams. In these roles, he has handled several high-stake commercial arbitrations on shareholders and construction disputes. He has also represented clients in associated litigations before courts seeking appointment of arbitral tribunals, obtaining urgent interim reliefs, and challenging arbitral awards. He also has experience of representing clients in civil disputes, insolvency proceedings, and constitutional and testamentary matters.
Hardik co-founded and served as the content editor of the Indian Arbitration Law Review, a highly reputed and specialized periodical devoted to arbitration law. During his time as an undergraduate student, he represented his university at the 26th Vis moot competition in 2019 and was the part of the team which won the pre-moot held at Budapest. Hardik’s research paper on the 2015 amendments to
the Indian Arbitration Act and their retrospective applicability to certain pending court proceedings, was published in the Journal on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
By pursuing a master’s at the MIDS, he intends to build on his educational and professional experience in arbitration and gain the necessary skills to become an international arbitration practitioner. Upon graduation, Hardik plans to join the dispute resolution team in an international law firm and use the knowledge and skills he has gained to provide the best solutions for his clients both inside and outside the courtroom.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Geneva LLM in International Dispute Resolution
Scholar
Eva Litina
Athens, Greece
School
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Virtual Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration
Dr. Eva Litina is a Legal Expert at the Hellenic Consumers’ Ombudsman, and an attorney-at law admitted to the Athens and New York bars. She completed her PhD thesis in International Maritime Arbitration at the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean whereshe is also teaching commercial law.
She studied law at the University of Athens and received her Master of Laws from New York University School of Law. For her research, Eva has been granted university-funded scholarships from the University of the Aegean. She has also been awarded the Comité Maritime International (yCMI) Essay Prize 2020, the International Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Scholarship 2017, and scholarships from the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg for International, European and Regulatory Procedural Law in 2017 and the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg in 2018.
Her monograph entitled ‘Theory, Law and Practice of Maritime Arbitration: The Case of International Contracts for the Carriage of Goods by Sea’ was published with Kluwer Law International. Eva is also an LMAA Supporting Member and Vice Chair of the Community Building, Networking & Scholarship Committee of Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers (REAL).
Given her academic expertise in maritime arbitration and strong interest in a career as a maritime arbitrator, the CIArb Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration provides an opportunity for her to achieve Fellowship of CIArb. She aims to deepen her knowledge on legal principles, process, practice and procedure in international maritime arbitration, the processes followed by an arbitrator in defining the issues that have to be decided by an award, dealing with the submissions made by the parties, analyzing the applicable law, evaluating the evidence and award writing.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Annie Maria Adikin
Makerere University Uganda, East Africa
School
London Summer Arbitration School
My name is Annie Maria Adikin. I am a second year at Makerere University School of Law, Uganda. I am currently building my knowledge in alternative dispute resolution particularly in international arbitration.
I intend to contribute towards changing the narrative of fewer African law students pursuing international arbitration. With the experience of taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis Moot, belonging to Africa in the Moot and attending the London Summer Arbitration School, I intend to launch the Arbitration for Young Minds in Africa, an initiative that will introduce law students and young legal practitioners to the field of international arbitration.
I have demonstrated talent in international arbitration by emerging as the best individual oralist in the East Africa Vis Pre-Moot in Nairobi, Kenya that was organised by Africa in the Moot. This pre-moot attracted teams from East, West and South Africa that were taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot that was to later be held in Vienna, Austria in April. I thus look forward to carving a career in international arbitration as a legal practitioner.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Dr. Iryna Eihelson Ukraine
ABOUT
A Researcher, trainer, educator, dialogue facilitator, PhD in Psychology, Dr. Eihelson has 20 years of experience in the prevention, reconciliation and transformation of identity-based conflicts (ethnic, religious, languages conflicts etc.), in particular in AR Crimea and other multicultural regions of Ukraine, Moldova/Transnistria, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. She is a co-author of educational materials and a trainer in peace and multicultural education since 2004. Since 2015 has been facilitating dialogues with the support OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, other internationals (like International Alert, dvv- International, IOM, IRI) and Ukrainian organizations on the issues of decentralization, amalgamated communities, conflicts in media community, language issues in education with the representatives of national minorities, memory conflicts, migration and integration of internally displaced people relations etc. She is the author of over 30 research papers in the sphere of dialogue facilitation, intercultural adaptation, memory conflicts, ethnic psychology and ethnic conflicts. She is a Member of the Eastern European Network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict — GPPAC, in 2008- 2019 was a regional representative in GPPAC Peace Education Working Group.
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar
Prabha Sankaranarayan
Philadelphia, PA
ABOUT
Prabha Sankaranarayan is the President and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, (https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/) an international impact organization whose mission is to build local skills for peace and promote mediation worldwide. She is committed to partnership, as evidenced by the organization’s collaboration with over 130 organizations globally. She co/leads MBBI’s partnership with Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members, with NAFCM, a North American network of over 300 mediation centers and the recently formed TRUST Network the first Early Warning and Response platform in the USA. She is a conflict transformation practitioner who has mediated, facilitated and trained in Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA. Her public and private sector work includes conflict analysis for public/private partnerships, consultation & assessment for industrial development zones, design and implementation of trainings for multinational corporations; inter faith dialogues as well as facilitation of multi-stakeholder mediations. Prabha is involved in regional, national and international civic activities focused on civil liberties, violence prevention, conflict mitigation & mediation and the recovery & rehabilitation of trauma survivors. She serves on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s (ARF) Expert and Eminent Persons (EEP) Group for the US Government. Her current Advisory & Board appointments include The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, VISIONS Inc. (a DEI organization in USA) and Women’s International Peace Center (WIPC in Uganda).
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar Recipient
2023 Scholarship Recipients
2022 Scholarship Recipients
2021 Scholarship Recipients
2020 Scholarship Recipients
Scholar
Annie Maria Adikin
Makerere University Uganda, East Africa
School
London Summer Arbitration School
My name is Annie Maria Adikin. I am a second year at Makerere University School of Law, Uganda. I am currently building my knowledge in alternative dispute resolution particularly in international arbitration.
I intend to contribute towards changing the narrative of fewer African law students pursuing international arbitration. With the experience of taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis Moot, belonging to Africa in the Moot and attending the London Summer Arbitration School, I intend to launch the Arbitration for Young Minds in Africa, an initiative that will introduce law students and young legal practitioners to the field of international arbitration.
I have demonstrated talent in international arbitration by emerging as the best individual oralist in the East Africa Vis Pre-Moot in Nairobi, Kenya that was organised by Africa in the Moot. This pre-moot attracted teams from East, West and South Africa that were taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot that was to later be held in Vienna, Austria in April. I thus look forward to carving a career in international arbitration as a legal practitioner.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Dr. Iryna Eihelson Ukraine
ABOUT
A Researcher, trainer, educator, dialogue facilitator, PhD in Psychology, Dr. Eihelson has 20 years of experience in the prevention, reconciliation and transformation of identity-based conflicts (ethnic, religious, languages conflicts etc.), in particular in AR Crimea and other multicultural regions of Ukraine, Moldova/Transnistria, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. She is a co-author of educational materials and a trainer in peace and multicultural education since 2004. Since 2015 has been facilitating dialogues with the support OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, other internationals (like International Alert, dvv- International, IOM, IRI) and Ukrainian organizations on the issues of decentralization, amalgamated communities, conflicts in media community, language issues in education with the representatives of national minorities, memory conflicts, migration and integration of internally displaced people relations etc. She is the author of over 30 research papers in the sphere of dialogue facilitation, intercultural adaptation, memory conflicts, ethnic psychology and ethnic conflicts. She is a Member of the Eastern European Network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict — GPPAC, in 2008- 2019 was a regional representative in GPPAC Peace Education Working Group.
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar
Prabha Sankaranarayan
Philadelphia, PA
ABOUT
Prabha Sankaranarayan is the President and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, (https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/) an international impact organization whose mission is to build local skills for peace and promote mediation worldwide. She is committed to partnership, as evidenced by the organization’s collaboration with over 130 organizations globally. She co/leads MBBI’s partnership with Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members, with NAFCM, a North American network of over 300 mediation centers and the recently formed TRUST Network the first Early Warning and Response platform in the USA. She is a conflict transformation practitioner who has mediated, facilitated and trained in Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA. Her public and private sector work includes conflict analysis for public/private partnerships, consultation & assessment for industrial development zones, design and implementation of trainings for multinational corporations; inter faith dialogues as well as facilitation of multi-stakeholder mediations. Prabha is involved in regional, national and international civic activities focused on civil liberties, violence prevention, conflict mitigation & mediation and the recovery & rehabilitation of trauma survivors. She serves on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s (ARF) Expert and Eminent Persons (EEP) Group for the US Government. Her current Advisory & Board appointments include The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, VISIONS Inc. (a DEI organization in USA) and Women’s International Peace Center (WIPC in Uganda).
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar
Isabella de Assis Godoy
Humbolt, CA
School
Humbolt University, IDR LLM at Humbolt
As a qualified Brazilian lawyer, a Latin-American queer woman, and a cancer survivor, I believe that my unique perspective and experiences would make a valuable contribution to the field of international dispute resolution. I have been accepted into the International Dispute Resolution (IDR LL.M.) program at Humboldt University for the class of 2022/2023. Pursuing this degree has been a long-standing goal of mine, and I am honored to have been selected for this competitive program.
In addition to my legal qualifications, I have also been working with legal design towards a more accessible law environment. As a designer and legal professional, I recognize the importance of using creative and innovative approaches to improve legal accessibility and understanding, particularly for underrepresented groups. I believe that my experience in legal design will be an asset to the field of dispute resolution.
Furthermore, I am myself an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arbitration sphere. I have been working as a volunteer with the Moot Alumni Association (MAA) in the D&I team, where I have contributed to initiatives aimed at increasing representation and promoting equal access to opportunities within the field. I am passionate about the potential for arbitration to foster greater social justice and equality, and I am excited to continue this work as a student and future practitioner.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Luis Brugal
Geneva Switzerland
ABOUT
Luis is a Dominican qualified lawyer with experience in international dispute settlement and international economic law. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in Santo Domingo, where he graduated with honors Magna cum laude. During his law studies, he was editor and chief of publications for the UNIBE Law Review.
He worked at the International Legal Defense Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic as a member of the State’s legal team on investor-state arbitrations, particularly in the construction, agriculture, and transport industries; as well as trade disputes before the World Trade Organization (WTO). Concurrently, he contributed as a member of the negotiating team for trade and investment treaties and represented the Dominican Republic as a delegate to Working Group III of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which discusses the reform of the current investor-state dispute settlement system. His work experience also extends to the private
sector, where he dedicated several years to civil, commercial, and administrative litigation while working at a prestigious law firm in the Dominican Republic.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement program
Scholar
Xenia Campas Gene
New York, NY
School
Cardozo School of Law
My name Xènia Campàs Gené, I am a lawyer from Spain with a Master’s in Sports Law and currently undertaking an LLM in Dispute Resolution and Advocacy at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, which I will finish in May. As a student looking to work in the field of ADR, I am eager to participate in the ABA’s 25th Annual Dispute Resolution Spring Conference as a scholarship recipient conference and gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts.
I have been following the ABA’s 25th Annual Dispute Resolution Spring Conference for several years now and have always been impressed by the caliber of speakers and the depth of content covered. I am particularly interested in the ethics and inclusion topics that will be discussed and am eager to learn more about the latest trends and best practices in the area of arbitration.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Judith Lam
Los Angeles, CA
ABOUT
Judy is a Partner in Maynard's Litigation Practice. With 25 years of experience in commercial litigation, Judy primarily focuses on matters of complex business disputes in the areas of banking and finance, real estate and construction, business torts, and fraud and investment schemes. She positions the client’s case to the best advantage, with aggressive trial advocacy or skillful negotiation and resolution. Judy is also a trained mediator and arbitrator, currently serving on the panels of FINRA and the American Arbitration Association.
Judy devotes time pro bono cases serving immigrant communities and various bar and community organizations. She is very engaged in cross-cultural communication and speaks Spanish and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) with varying degrees of proficiency.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Arbitration Training Institute
Scholar
Harshitha Senthilkumaran (Ram)
East Lansing, MI
School
Michigan State University
I’m a young attorney under 40 of Indian Origin—with practice experience in multiple jurisdictions
including India, the UK, the EU, ASEAN, and the USA. I’ve presented at several workshops, training, and conferences on ‘Microaggressions in dispute resolution – Diverse Neutral standing’ and many specific topics of interest focusing on the diversity of ADR neutrals. I’ve presented at both state and national levels including the annual conferences of the State Bar of Michigan and the National Legal Education Conference.
To me, inclusion and diversity are ingrained. My vision is a good and just world where people are content, fulfilled, and have equal opportunities. I was recently quoted by Ms. Jeanne Charles, Arbitrator & Mediator-Federal impasses panel (appointed by President Biden) for my diversity activism in ADR and particularly labor and employment arbitration. I’m Currently chairing the Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal initiative (Diversity and inclusion action team) State Bar of Michigan. I’m an active participant/member of the diversity group and minority arbitrators promoting awareness programs and participating in weekly meetings for minority arbitrators.
With focused advanced training in arbitration practice, I will continue to share knowledge with fellow minority ADR practitioners for improved support within the minority ADR community. My career goals include improving low-functioning areas of ADR workspace to promote diversity and inclusion, increasing professional knowledge and adequate training, expanding the ADR network, and advancing to a leadership position in ADR groups amongst other things.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Arbitration Training Institute
Scholar
Aisha M Suleiman
Malibu, CA
School
Pepperdine School of Law
Aisha is currently an LLM Student of International Commercial Arbitration at Pepperdine University. She serves as the Vice President of the Pepperdine International Arbitration Society. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), California Arbitration (Cal. Arb), Young-OGEMID, and Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigeria.
Before enrolling at Pepperdine, Aisha held a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws from Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria, where she specialized in Intellectual Property Laws. She has also been certified to teach by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). She is a licensed Attorney admitted to practice law in Nigeria. Her professional approach and research areas include Arbitration, mediation, Intellectual Property Law and Employment Law.
As a Muslim African woman who has experienced firsthand the ugly effect of inter-religious and interethnic conflicts across Nigeria, she is passionate about utilizing her career to bridge the conflict gaps arising from these differences.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Shakhzoda Tuychieva
Pittsburg, PA
School
University of Pittsburg, School of Law
Shakhzoda Tuychieva is a law graduate from Uzbekistan (Central Asia) and a former LL.M.student from Penn State Law (LL.M.' 2022). Currently, she is pursuing her S.J.D degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she is writing her dissertation on the legitimacy of investment treaty arbitration. Moreover, she serves as Teaching Assistant at Cornell School of Law.
Before starting her LL.M. degree, she practiced investment law and arbitration at law firms, presented as Secretary at Tashkent International Arbitration Center and worked as Deputy Dean at Tashkent State University of Law. In the past two years, she served as a Vis Moot team coach and FDI Team advisor at Tashkent State University of Law.
Grant Amount
$1,000
PROGRAM
ABA DR National Section Conference in Las Vegas
Scholar Recipient
2023 Scholarship Recipients
2022 Scholarship Recipients
2021 Scholarship Recipients
2020 Scholarship Recipients
Scholar
Annie Maria Adikin
Makerere University Uganda, East Africa
School
London Summer Arbitration School
My name is Annie Maria Adikin. I am a second year at Makerere University School of Law, Uganda. I am currently building my knowledge in alternative dispute resolution particularly in international arbitration.
I intend to contribute towards changing the narrative of fewer African law students pursuing international arbitration. With the experience of taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis Moot, belonging to Africa in the Moot and attending the London Summer Arbitration School, I intend to launch the Arbitration for Young Minds in Africa, an initiative that will introduce law students and young legal practitioners to the field of international arbitration.
I have demonstrated talent in international arbitration by emerging as the best individual oralist in the East Africa Vis Pre-Moot in Nairobi, Kenya that was organised by Africa in the Moot. This pre-moot attracted teams from East, West and South Africa that were taking part in the 30th Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot that was to later be held in Vienna, Austria in April. I thus look forward to carving a career in international arbitration as a legal practitioner.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Dr. Iryna Eihelson Ukraine
ABOUT
A Researcher, trainer, educator, dialogue facilitator, PhD in Psychology, Dr. Eihelson has 20 years of experience in the prevention, reconciliation and transformation of identity-based conflicts (ethnic, religious, languages conflicts etc.), in particular in AR Crimea and other multicultural regions of Ukraine, Moldova/Transnistria, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. She is a co-author of educational materials and a trainer in peace and multicultural education since 2004. Since 2015 has been facilitating dialogues with the support OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, other internationals (like International Alert, dvv- International, IOM, IRI) and Ukrainian organizations on the issues of decentralization, amalgamated communities, conflicts in media community, language issues in education with the representatives of national minorities, memory conflicts, migration and integration of internally displaced people relations etc. She is the author of over 30 research papers in the sphere of dialogue facilitation, intercultural adaptation, memory conflicts, ethnic psychology and ethnic conflicts. She is a Member of the Eastern European Network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict — GPPAC, in 2008- 2019 was a regional representative in GPPAC Peace Education Working Group.
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar
Prabha Sankaranarayan
Philadelphia, PA
ABOUT
Prabha Sankaranarayan is the President and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, (https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/) an international impact organization whose mission is to build local skills for peace and promote mediation worldwide. She is committed to partnership, as evidenced by the organization’s collaboration with over 130 organizations globally. She co/leads MBBI’s partnership with Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members, with NAFCM, a North American network of over 300 mediation centers and the recently formed TRUST Network the first Early Warning and Response platform in the USA. She is a conflict transformation practitioner who has mediated, facilitated and trained in Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA. Her public and private sector work includes conflict analysis for public/private partnerships, consultation & assessment for industrial development zones, design and implementation of trainings for multinational corporations; inter faith dialogues as well as facilitation of multi-stakeholder mediations. Prabha is involved in regional, national and international civic activities focused on civil liberties, violence prevention, conflict mitigation & mediation and the recovery & rehabilitation of trauma survivors. She serves on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s (ARF) Expert and Eminent Persons (EEP) Group for the US Government. Her current Advisory & Board appointments include The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, VISIONS Inc. (a DEI organization in USA) and Women’s International Peace Center (WIPC in Uganda).
Grant Amount
$750.16
PROGRAM
Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding: Insights from Ukrainian Social Psychologist Dr. Iryna Eihelson
Scholar
Isabella de Assis Godoy
Humbolt, CA
School
Humbolt University, IDR LLM at Humbolt
As a qualified Brazilian lawyer, a Latin-American queer woman, and a cancer survivor, I believe that my unique perspective and experiences would make a valuable contribution to the field of international dispute resolution. I have been accepted into the International Dispute Resolution (IDR LL.M.) program at Humboldt University for the class of 2022/2023. Pursuing this degree has been a long-standing goal of mine, and I am honored to have been selected for this competitive program.
In addition to my legal qualifications, I have also been working with legal design towards a more accessible law environment. As a designer and legal professional, I recognize the importance of using creative and innovative approaches to improve legal accessibility and understanding, particularly for underrepresented groups. I believe that my experience in legal design will be an asset to the field of dispute resolution.
Furthermore, I am myself an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arbitration sphere. I have been working as a volunteer with the Moot Alumni Association (MAA) in the D&I team, where I have contributed to initiatives aimed at increasing representation and promoting equal access to opportunities within the field. I am passionate about the potential for arbitration to foster greater social justice and equality, and I am excited to continue this work as a student and future practitioner.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Luis Brugal
Geneva Switzerland
ABOUT
Luis is a Dominican qualified lawyer with experience in international dispute settlement and international economic law. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in Santo Domingo, where he graduated with honors Magna cum laude. During his law studies, he was editor and chief of publications for the UNIBE Law Review.
He worked at the International Legal Defense Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic as a member of the State’s legal team on investor-state arbitrations, particularly in the construction, agriculture, and transport industries; as well as trade disputes before the World Trade Organization (WTO). Concurrently, he contributed as a member of the negotiating team for trade and investment treaties and represented the Dominican Republic as a delegate to Working Group III of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which discusses the reform of the current investor-state dispute settlement system. His work experience also extends to the private
sector, where he dedicated several years to civil, commercial, and administrative litigation while working at a prestigious law firm in the Dominican Republic.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Geneva LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement program
Scholar
Xenia Campas Gene
New York, NY
School
Cardozo School of Law
My name Xènia Campàs Gené, I am a lawyer from Spain with a Master’s in Sports Law and currently undertaking an LLM in Dispute Resolution and Advocacy at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, which I will finish in May. As a student looking to work in the field of ADR, I am eager to participate in the ABA’s 25th Annual Dispute Resolution Spring Conference as a scholarship recipient conference and gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts.
I have been following the ABA’s 25th Annual Dispute Resolution Spring Conference for several years now and have always been impressed by the caliber of speakers and the depth of content covered. I am particularly interested in the ethics and inclusion topics that will be discussed and am eager to learn more about the latest trends and best practices in the area of arbitration.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Judith Lam
Los Angeles, CA
ABOUT
Judy is a Partner in Maynard's Litigation Practice. With 25 years of experience in commercial litigation, Judy primarily focuses on matters of complex business disputes in the areas of banking and finance, real estate and construction, business torts, and fraud and investment schemes. She positions the client’s case to the best advantage, with aggressive trial advocacy or skillful negotiation and resolution. Judy is also a trained mediator and arbitrator, currently serving on the panels of FINRA and the American Arbitration Association.
Judy devotes time pro bono cases serving immigrant communities and various bar and community organizations. She is very engaged in cross-cultural communication and speaks Spanish and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) with varying degrees of proficiency.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Arbitration Training Institute
Scholar
Harshitha Senthilkumaran (Ram)
East Lansing, MI
School
Michigan State University
I’m a young attorney under 40 of Indian Origin—with practice experience in multiple jurisdictions
including India, the UK, the EU, ASEAN, and the USA. I’ve presented at several workshops, training, and conferences on ‘Microaggressions in dispute resolution – Diverse Neutral standing’ and many specific topics of interest focusing on the diversity of ADR neutrals. I’ve presented at both state and national levels including the annual conferences of the State Bar of Michigan and the National Legal Education Conference.
To me, inclusion and diversity are ingrained. My vision is a good and just world where people are content, fulfilled, and have equal opportunities. I was recently quoted by Ms. Jeanne Charles, Arbitrator & Mediator-Federal impasses panel (appointed by President Biden) for my diversity activism in ADR and particularly labor and employment arbitration. I’m Currently chairing the Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal initiative (Diversity and inclusion action team) State Bar of Michigan. I’m an active participant/member of the diversity group and minority arbitrators promoting awareness programs and participating in weekly meetings for minority arbitrators.
With focused advanced training in arbitration practice, I will continue to share knowledge with fellow minority ADR practitioners for improved support within the minority ADR community. My career goals include improving low-functioning areas of ADR workspace to promote diversity and inclusion, increasing professional knowledge and adequate training, expanding the ADR network, and advancing to a leadership position in ADR groups amongst other things.
Grant Amount
$2,000
PROGRAM
Arbitration Training Institute
Scholar
Aisha M Suleiman
Malibu, CA
School
Pepperdine School of Law
Aisha is currently an LLM Student of International Commercial Arbitration at Pepperdine University. She serves as the Vice President of the Pepperdine International Arbitration Society. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), California Arbitration (Cal. Arb), Young-OGEMID, and Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigeria.
Before enrolling at Pepperdine, Aisha held a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws from Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria, where she specialized in Intellectual Property Laws. She has also been certified to teach by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). She is a licensed Attorney admitted to practice law in Nigeria. Her professional approach and research areas include Arbitration, mediation, Intellectual Property Law and Employment Law.
As a Muslim African woman who has experienced firsthand the ugly effect of inter-religious and interethnic conflicts across Nigeria, she is passionate about utilizing her career to bridge the conflict gaps arising from these differences.
Grant Amount
$2,000
Scholar
Shakhzoda Tuychieva
Pittsburg, PA
School
University of Pittsburg, School of Law
Shakhzoda Tuychieva is a law graduate from Uzbekistan (Central Asia) and a former LL.M.student from Penn State Law (LL.M.' 2022). Currently, she is pursuing her S.J.D degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she is writing her dissertation on the legitimacy of investment treaty arbitration. Moreover, she serves as Teaching Assistant at Cornell School of Law.
Before starting her LL.M. degree, she practiced investment law and arbitration at law firms, presented as Secretary at Tashkent International Arbitration Center and worked as Deputy Dean at Tashkent State University of Law. In the past two years, she served as a Vis Moot team coach and FDI Team advisor at Tashkent State University of Law.
Grant Amount
$1,000
PROGRAM
ABA DR National Section Conference in Las Vegas