Honors Program in Legal Studies Scholars

Kayla Austin is a Guyanese, Queens-based scholar whose family immigrated from Brazil to the United States in 2017. She is a junior at CCNY double majoring in Psychology and Philosophy with a minor in Legal Studies. She hopes to practice property law. Outside of school, Kayla enjoys hiking and making memories with her family.

Zara Aziz is a Brooklyn-born student whose family immigrated from Pakistan. She is a junior at CCNY majoring in political science. Zara is also a Moynihan Public Service Fellow. Currently, she is an Administrative & Operations summer intern at SEO Law. Outside of school, Zara works as a Returns Specialist for AS Beauty and loves baking banana bread on the weekend. 

Avanshika Bajaj was born in India and raised in Queens. She is a junior majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies., Avanshika aspires to attend law school and specialize in malpractice law in the future. .Beyond her academic pursuits, Avanshika is an active member of the E-board for Delta Phi Omega Sorority Inc., where she holds the positions of Vice President and Marketing Chair.

Billie Estrine is a junior at CCNY majoring in political science and minoring in English and Human Rights. Billie is a Jeannette K. Watson fellow, legal studies scholar, and Colin Powell fellow. She is passionate about human rights, social justice, and advocating for immigrants through legal services and community outreach. Billie's interest in the legal profession encouraged her to become the President of the CCNY Pre-Law Club. She is also interested in the history and culture of music and hosts a radio show at City College. In the summer of 2023, she interned with the WNYC show Notes from America with Kai Wright.

Kyle Gardner was born into a military family but spent his adolescent years in Florida. He’s lived in New York City for 9 years and transferred to CCNY from BMCC. His major is in Political Science and is interested in Criminal Law. Outside of school, Kyle works as a professional ballet dancer and Pilates instructor. He believes a healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy mind.

Jeszie Lefkowitz is from Brooklyn (unceded Lenape territory) and was raised by working-class parents of Indigenous and Jewish ancestry. They are a rising senior at CCNY and CUNY BA with an area of concentration in Critical Legal Studies. Jeszie has a background in social justice advocacy and hopes to practice public interest law. When not studying, Jeszie is a yoga instructor, practices regularly, and spends time with community-based mutual aid groups and housing advocacy.

Tanasia Price is a Brooklyn-born first-generation college student. She is a junior at CCNY majoring in Political Science with a triple minor in Philosophy, Anthropology, and Legal Studies. She hopes to practice Intellectual Property law and help protect creators using what she’s learned. Outside of school, Tanasia runs with the NYC Road Runners, volunteers with NYC Cares on the weekends, and writes poetry and short essays.

Josue Ramos Carpio, a Bronx native, is a junior at CCNY majoring in Political Science and Sociology. Josue is USG’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Co-President of the CCNY Pre-Law Club, and member of the CCNY Upsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Within his time at CCNY, Josue has advocated for the inclusivity of all students as a Mixner Fellow and continues to push for creating safe spaces for all. As a First-Generation student and immigrant, Josue has always been passionate about advocating for those  who do not have a voice, and he wants to attend law school as a way to give back to his community. In his free time, he enjoys live music, reading, and trying new cafes.

Chidera Reece is a Brooklyn native. Her family originated in Guyana. She is pursuing a major in English along with a minor in philosophy. She aspires to establish a legal career in Criminal Defense law. In addition to her academic pursuits, Chidera dedicates her time to Adapt Community Network, where she provides support to children between the ages of 3 and 5 who are on the autism spectrum.

Eugene Saturchenko is a New York native born to Ukrainian immigrants parents. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Legal Studies at The City College of New York. His has worked as a paralegal and on political campaigns. Outside of school, Eugene enjoys running Triathlons and loves fitness. After graduation, he hopes to attend law school and practice corporate law.

Christian Velez is a Macaulay Honors Junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies and Public Policy. He was born and raised in the Bronx, and enjoys gardening during his free time. Christian hopes to one day work for the EPA as an environmental lawyer and help create legislation to safeguard the environment and protect the people that live within it.