The Washington University Black Law Students Association (WashU BLSA) was founded in 1973. Each year over thirty Washington University Law School students become active members of our chapter. Today, WashU BLSA continues to stay committed to the development and support of Blacks in the legal profession.
Ashrakat Hassan, President
Email: ashrakat@wustl.edu
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Hello, everyone! My name is Ashrakat Hassan. I am from Sudan and immigrated to Atlanta, GA in 2003. I attended Atlanta’s best-kept secret, Oglethorpe University. Through the nurturing environment at Oglethorpe, I was elected to become the Student Body President, completed an honors thesis with distinction, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Art in Politics.
I spent the summer before law school as an Eversheds Sutherland Scholar and AT&T Legal Scholar. Additionally, I worked at my local community center as a camp counselor and an assistant to the center’s Director of Education Programming. As my hometown dealt with the literacy crisis that was left in the wake of the pandemic, I connected with youth in our community and reinvigorated their love of learning.
I love going on long walks, listening to music, watching horror movies, and reading for fun when law school allows!
Upon enrolling at WashU, I was concerned about leaving home for the first time, and homesickness was pervasive. Luckily for me, BLSA was there for me every step of the way. Between the genuine relationships I developed, the academic support I received, and the incredible memories I left with, BLSA was my saving grace during a challenging transition.
With such an amazing experience during my first year of law school, I wanted to continue building such an incredible organization as President. My objectives include the following three tenets: outreach that supports future legal scholars, advocacy that protects and uplifts our own community within WashU’s walls, and a commitment to our St. Louis neighbors.
From panels and discussions with pre-law students across the country, imploring them to strive for their legal dreams, to volunteer efforts that emphasize our commitment to St. Louis, I want to take BLSA further and farther in our service to others. I am blessed with an incredible Executive Board, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this year!
Vanessa Okojie, Vice-President
Email: o.vanessa@wustl.edu
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Hey y’all! I am so excited to meet you and look forward to a great school yar.
I graduated as the top student from Valdosta State University with a B.A. in Political Science. There I honed my oral advocacy skills, being ranked as a top-four IPDA debater nationally in 2021. Prior to law school, I worked as a Research Analyst at a financial technology startup co-founded by MLK’s daughter! I am most interested in litigation but am open to the legal area. This summer I worked at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP in Atlanta, and I am looking forward to returning for 2L summer. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, vlogging, and cycling.
BLSA has remained an invaluable resource, a family, and a safe space for me, and I hope to continue to create that atmosphere this year. I am always happy to talk, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Grace Obimdike, Treasurer
Email: g.obimdike@wustl.edu
Hometown: Ocala, FL
I am a second-year law student proudly serving as the BLSA Treasurer for the 2024-2025 Academic Year! I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and grew up in Florida. I am passionate about pursuing a career in Commercial Litigation. My hobbies include tennis, traveling, and cooking. I am excited to be a part of the BLSA Executive Board this year!
Daryn Rockett, Secretary
Email: d.rockett@wustl.edu
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Hey everyone! My name is Daryn Rockett and I have the pleasure of serving as BLSA Secretary for the 2024-25 academic year. I am from Long Beach, CA and earned my B.A. from Stanford University in 2023 with a double major in African & African American Studies and Sociology. I am a dual degree student in the J.D./M.S.W. program with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. I hope to practice at the intersection of law and youth advocacy. I was excited to join BLSA upon arriving at WashU because it is such a vibrant community of future change-makers who are eager to provide a robust, enjoyable experience for students. The sense of community BLSA provides has been an incredible support for me, and I am honored to work alongside other executive board members committed to providing the same experience for students at WashU Law. In my free time, you can find me taking walks in the park, crocheting, or watching a drama series. This summer, I worked at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid in East St. Louis. I also served as a Research Assistant to Professor Gregory Magarian and participated in the Missouri Bar Diversity Judicial Internship.
David Gueye, Academic Chair
Email: d.gueye@wustl.edu
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
I am honored to serve as your academic chair this year. I am currently a second year and am from Columbus, OH. Prior to law school, I worked as an epidemiologist for a local health department in Columbus. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with minors in Chemistry and Natural Sciences, as well as a Master’s in Public Health focused on global health and health policy & management from Case Western Reserve University. In my free time, I enjoy running, baking, and watching television.
In addition to my studies, I serve as a peer academic advisor, a staff editor for the Global Studies Law Review, and a judicial extern for the Eastern District of Missouri. This past summer, I had the privilege of working as a 1L Summer Associate at Squire Patton Boggs in Columbus.
BLSA has been a cornerstone of my law school experience. It has provided me with invaluable support and a sense of belonging in an environment where it is often easy to feel like an outsider. The community I found here has been crucial, especially in navigating the challenges of being a first-generation Black law student in a predominantly white space. This organization has not only uplifted me but has also inspired me to give back. I joined the Executive Board to help ensure that all Black law students have the resources and community I so deeply value.
Isaiah Butler, Professional Development Chair
Email: b.isaiah@wustl.edu
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Born and raised in Omaha, NE, I developed a strong sense of community and advocacy, shaped by my background as a teacher and violinist. I attended Indiana University where I earned two degrees: one in Violin Performance and another in Music Education. Before law school, I dedicated two years to teaching middle school orchestra in Houston, Texas. I nurtured beginners into proficient string players, culminating in an award-winning school year. To incoming 1Ls, I emphasize embracing the journey, staying focused, managing time wisely, and seeking guidance from mentors. I interned at the Writers Guild of America in LA this past summer, assisting the legal department in advocating for entertainment writers’ rights. My legal interests span many areas, reflecting my curiosity and drive to engage with diverse legal concepts. Outside law school, I enjoy listening to new music, visiting restaurants, and exploring new places. I am excited to serve as your Professional Development Chair and look forward to a wonderful year!
Glenn Asuo-Asante, Career Development Chair
Email: aglenn@wustl.edu
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
I am from Accra, Ghana and moved to the U.S. in 2017 for my undergrad education. I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations in 2021. Before law school, I got some work experience interning for the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations in Ghana, Tompkins Financial Corporation and Miller Shah LLP. I then went on to work as a counselor for the Cornell Chaplaincy and a tutor for students in Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, and Cameroon.
On campus I am a student representative on the Faculty Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a staff editor for the Washington University Global Studies Law Review, a student lead at the Recreational Center, an ambassador for the Office of International Student Engagement, a Peer Career Advisor and of course your Career Development Chair for the Black Law Students Association.
I do not think that my law school experience would have been the same without my BLSA family. They were my teachers, mentors, friends, siblings and more. In my role, I want to be an ever-accessible resource for everyone. Here’s to a good year.
I am currently doing a judicial clerkship externship with Chief Magistrate Judge Shirley Padmore Mensah. I worked at Husch Blackwell and U.S. Bank this summer and will be returning to Husch next summer.
Lauryn Brown, Advocacy Chair
Email: blauryn@wustl.edu
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies. I am excited to serve as BLSA’s Advocacy Chair. I enjoy reading and roller-skating. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything!
This summer, I worked at the WashU Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
Blake Comeaux, Parliamentarian
Email: bccomeaux@wustl.edu
Hometown: Klin, MS
I have moved around a few times, but I consider southern Mississippi to be my home. I earned a B.A. in Philosophy from WashU in 2023. After an amazing undergraduate experience, I decided to stay at WashU for law school—a decision I am grateful for every day. BLSA welcomed me with open arms before I even began attending the law school, which is what has motivated me to serve as the Association’s Parliamentarian. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, board games, and trying new restaurants.
I worked at Hogan Lovells in Houston as an SEO Law Fellow, Thompson Coburn in St. Louis as a summer associate, and I will be at Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix next summer.
Rebecca Bowman, Social Chair
Email: bowman.r@wustl.edu
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Greetings all! I am from the city of Chicago! I received my bachelor’s in African and African American Studies, with a double major in American Culture Studies and a minor in Legal Studies, from Washington University in St. Louis in 2020. Prior to law school, I worked in both the education and legal fields. Given my wonderful experiences of building community and friendship in a multitude of spaces, I am excited to bring that energy as BLSA’s Social Chair for the 2024-2025 academic year! I have always wanted to go to law school, but even more importantly, I have always wanted my surroundings to feel like a home. That is what BLSA is for me, and I hope to provide that same comfort, concern, and care to our community. Please say hi if you see me or reach out for anything! I love music (concerts, especially), poetry, traveling, and good dining experiences.
This past summer I worked as a Judicial Extern for a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Illinois.
Taryn Montgomery, Community Action Chair
Email: m.taryn@wustl.edu
Hometown: Decatur, GA
Hey y’all! I’m originally from Decatur, Georgia, but I’ve also called Houston home before heading to Prairie View A&M, where I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies, which really sparked my passion for advocacy and community work. Before coming to WashU, I had the chance to work in the democracy and politics space and was an avid community organizer. Throughout this time, I worked on various political campaigns and spent some time on Capitol Hill. This past summer, I had the honor of being an HBCU Scholar at Dinsmore & Shohl in Chicago. I’m thrilled to step into the role of your 2024-2025 Community Action Chair for BLSA!