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.
President
Name: Avrye King
Email: a.z.king@wustl.edu
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Hey Yall! My name is Avrye King. I am from Kansas City, Missouri and relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas to pursue my college education at Philander Smith College. At PSC, I achieved the distinction of graduating as the valedictorian with a Bachelor of Art in Political Science. Following my graduation, I had the opportunity to intern under a Black Lawyer working as a sole practitioner. Additionally, during the summer before my transition to St. Louis, I worked at a summer camp in California. In my free time I enjoy painting, going to the movies, and facetiming my nephew and siblings.
Upon my admission to WashU, BLSA was eager to help me in any way necessary. Their assistance increased over the school year, proving to be invaluable to my academic journey. I was raised to see the value in my community and lift as I climb and seeing BLSA reflect these values encouraged me to run for 1L rep. In the upcoming academic year, I have the honor of serving as the President of BLSA. My primary objectives for BLSA this year are centered around three key goals. First, I aim to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports Black students from diverse backgrounds and across the diaspora. Second, I seek to strengthen BLSA’s ties with Black staff, faculty, and other graduate students, promoting collaboration and community-building. Lastly, I aim to enhance our social media presence and outreach efforts, utilizing these platforms to amplify our message, engage with our community, and raise awareness about our initiatives. With the help of this amazing e-board, I am confident that we will achieve these goals and make a lasting impact within our community.
This summer I worked at Lewis Rice LLP in Kansas City, MO as a summer associate.
Vice-President
Name: Haleigh R. Hoskins
Email: h.haleigh@wustl.edu
Hometown: Peoria, IL
Greetings! My name is Haleigh Hoskins. I am a Peoria, IL native but recently relocated from Washington, D.C. I received a B.A. in International Studies from Spelman College in 2018 and a M.A. in Public Policy and Public Administration from Northwestern University in 2020. Prior to law school, I worked in both federal and municipal government. I was drawn to attend WashU because of its commitment to its students and community. But ultimately, it was BLSA who welcomed me with open arms. I learned so much this past year by way of scholarship, mentorship, and leadership. I am thrilled to pay it forward to the incoming class of 2026 as this upcoming year’s BLSA Vice President. In my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog, trying new restaurants/foods, and doing DIY projects.
This summer I worked at Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis as both a summer associate and Thomas Eagleton Scholarship recipient.
Treasurer
Name: Andréa Charles
Email: a.b.charles@wustl.edu
Hometown: Chelles, Frances
My name is Andréa Charles, and I was born and raised in Chelles (France). I moved to the United States in 2018 to study Political Science at Lindenwood University in Missouri. I graduated in December 2021 and moved to Boston, where I worked until I got admitted to WashU Law. My first year of law school was challenging. Being one of the few international students also shaped my experience because English is not my first language, and I knew little about Constitutional law. However, spending time with BLSA members was the highlight of my year because my friends embraced and supported me. By serving in BLSA, I want to give back to the organization and make sure future 1Ls have the same positive experience I had. In addition to BLSA, I will serve as SBA President for this upcoming year because I love getting involved at the law school and creating a better learning environment. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and visiting museums.
This summer I worked at Washington University’s Office of the General Counsel in St. Louis.
Secretary
Name: Karinton Triplett
Email: karinton@wustl.edu
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Hello beautiful people! My name is Karinton Triplett. I am a Chicago native and a recent Washington University in St. Louis graduate, where I received a B.A. in African and African American Studies (AFAS) and another B.A. in Educational Studies. My background in AFAS and Educational Studies helped me understand the importance of affinity spaces on campus, and I am excited to serve as BLSA’s Secretary for the 2023-2024 academic year. Early in my 1L year, I appreciated BLSA’s legacy. My willingness to advocate for students in undergrad has transferred into my legal education, and I am excited to use my voice and power on BLSA exec to hold WashU Law accountable to student needs. BLSA provides excellent mentorship. Never hesitate to reach out to me! I love music, shopping, and talking about pop culture for hours.
This summer, I worked as a Summer Associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
Academic Chair
Name: Rosalind Johnston
Email: rosalind.johnston@wustl.edu
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hey everyone! My name is Rosalind Johnston, and I am a 2L and St. Louis native. I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2022 with a major in accounting and a minor in legal studies. I am excited to serve as the 2023-2024 Academic Chair for BLSA. Since high school, I have utilized many resources to help me get where I am today, including BLSA during my 1L year. BLSA members immediately made me feel at home at WashULaw and my mentors were always open ears for all my questions, concerns, and venting. I want to continue being a resource for other students; not just academically but all around. We have so many things in store for BLSA this year; I can’t wait to help execute them!
I love video games, traveling, and athletic footwear! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!
This summer I worked as a summer associate at Sidley Austin LLP in the Houston office.
Professional & Career Development Chair
Name: Lauren Speller
Email: lspeller@wustl.edu
Hometown: Houston, TX
Hey y’all! My name is Lauren Speller. I’m from Houston, TX, but have lived across the South. I received a B.A. in Linguistics and an M.B.A. from WashU. Prior to law school, I worked as a consultant and director of a non-profit centered on educational access. I’m passionate about mentorship and I am thrilled to be able to help support the incoming class of 2026 as this upcoming year’s Professional Development Chair.
This summer I worked at Vinson & Elkins, LLP in Houston, TX as both a summer associate and LCLD 1L diversity fellowship recipient.
Community Action Chair
Name: Kennedy Kinnard
Email: kennedy.kinnard@wustl.edu
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Hey y’all! My name is Kennedy Kinnard, and I am originally from Fort Worth, Texas (You will probably hear me say, “I’m from Texas, to preface just about anything!). I graduated from Baylor University, receiving a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in History. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, finding good vinyl records, and baking.
Before coming to WashULaw, I dedicated ample time to serving my community in various capacities. I aim to bring a sense of camaraderie to BLSA that we can translate into meaningful work within our surrounding communities. I will always strive to develop an undying love for each other as Black people that will help us use the excellent skills we have been blessed with to facilitate change, development, and joy for marginalized groups throughout St. Louis. I look forward to serving this organization and those around us!
This summer, I worked as a Summer Associate at Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton, IL.
Social Chair
Name: Trevor Lewis
Email: trevornlewis@wustl.edu
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Trevor received a Bachelors in Economics from Saint Louis University. This past year, he worked in the WashULaw Environmental Clinic and previously interned at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Currently, Trevor is an extern at Anheuser-Busch and serves the WashULaw community as Treasurer of ‘Abolish the Death Penalty. ‘
This past summer, Trevor work at Dowd Bennett here in St. Louis and will be there full time after graduation.”
Advocacy Chair
Name: Erica Jones
Email: e.j@wustl.edu
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
My name is Erica Jones. I am a third-year law student born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I graduated summa cum laude from Emerson College with a B.S. in Political Communications and minors in Peace and Social Justice and Business Studies. I was elected as a 1L and 3L Representative of SBA and the 1L Executive WashU Health Law Association for the 2021-2022AY. I was also a member of SBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I have clerked for the Maryland Attorney General and externed at the Maryland Hospital Association, all while simultaneously completing my second degree—a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University. This summer I will focus my work on health and insurance law. In my free time, I enjoy binge watching Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order: SVU, and baking cheesecakes for my business.
This summer I worked at Nixon Peabody LLP in Los Angeles as a summer associate.
Parliamentarian
Name: Kami Adeleye
Email: a.kami@wustl.edu
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Hey everyone! My name is Kami Adeleye, and I am excited to serve as the BLSA Parliamentarian for this academic year! I was born in Maryland but spent most of my life in Lagos, Nigeria. I attended the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a BSc in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Economics. Now I live in Porter, Texas with my family. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and watching sports.
I served on my university’s student conduct review board for 4 years and hope to draw on my experiences with conducting meetings to perform my role to the best of my ability.
This summer I worked as a Legal Intern at Matthews Incorporated in their Pittsburgh headquarters.
1L Representative
Name: Isaiah Butler
Email: b.isaiah@wustl.edu
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, 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. I am thrilled to be the 1L Representative and am committed to advancing BLSA’s mission to be a welcoming environment for black students at WashULaw.
1L Representative
Name: Ashrakat Hassan
Email: ashrakat@wustl.edu
Hometown: Clarkston, Georgia
Hey, y’all! My name is Ashrakat Hassan, and I am one of your 1L Representatives! I was born in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Clarkston, GA, but I’m from Sudan! I am super excited to serve and provide Black first-year students with the opportunity to grow socially, academically, and professionally at WashU Law!
While in high school, I attended Georgia State University and graduated with an Associate’s in Criminal Justice before heading to Oglethorpe University and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and a minor in African American Studies. After graduation, I spent my summer as a legislative aide with Georgia State Representative Dar’ Shun Kendrick and as the Assistant to the Director of Education Programs at the Clarkston Community Center. Additionally, to prepare for law school, I spent some time as an Eversheds Sutherland Scholar with Eversheds Sutherland!
After undergrad, I have always wanted an opportunity to cultivate rich Black spaces. BLSA has been all I’ve needed and more. Between the academic resources that bridge the gap for first-year students, the enriching mentorship opportunities, and a reliable place to just exist as a Black Muslim woman, BLSA has been nothing short of a blessing in the first few weeks of law school.
I am excited to develop networking opportunities, fun and relaxing social events, and more with my fellow 1L reps! The Class of 2026 simply isn’t ready for what we have in store!
1L Representative
Name: Jaylen Hankins
Email: jaylen.hankins@wustl.edu
Hometown: Matteson, Illinois
Hey everyone! My name is Jaylen Hankins and I am excited to serve as one of the 1L Reps for this academic year. I am originally from Matteson, IL (south suburbs of Chicago) and a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, receiving my B.A. in Sociology and a minor in anthropology. During undergrad, I dedicated my time to serving my community and helping build a sense of camaraderie. Before I even decided to attend WashULaw, BLSA members welcomed me with open arms. I have a desire to be part of an organization that prioritizes students’ sense of security and support, and I’m eager to contribute to this meaningful impact. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to serve both the organization and the 1L class, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey together. During my free time I enjoy running, going out to eat, and relaxing.