Purpose of the Advisory Council

The Columbus School of Law has long recognized the importance of attracting, maintaining, and supporting a diverse and inclusive community in order to advance its mission and educational objectives. To assist in achieving these goals, the Dean of the Law School has established a Community Engagement Advisory Council composed of staff, faculty, alumni, and students.

Function and Goals of the Advisory Council

The Community Engagement Advisory Council shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Dean of the Law School. The function of the Advisory Council shall be to assist the Catholic Law community in achieving the following goals:

  1. to celebrate, promote, and incorporate the rich diversity of society;
  2. to create and maintain an environment that respects and values the contributions of all of its members;
  3. to heighten cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness;
  4. to graduate students with the cultural competency and skills in civil discourse required of lawyers in the modern legal market;
  5. to provide academic support, advising, mentoring, curriculum, and professional development programs, particularly for students who historically have been underrepresented in the legal profession; and  
  6. to increase opportunities to explore the intersection of social justice and diversity.

Members of the Council may be reached at diversity@cua.edu.

2023-24 Council Membership

Students
Niloo Baghai, 3E
Emani Johnson, 3D
Julieta Orlando-Castro, 4E

Faculty
Professor Veryl Miles

Professor Kevin Walsh

Alumni
Stella Lee Ghattas '12 
Legal Counsel for Children's National Health System

D. Michael Lyles '94 
City Attorney, Annapolis, Maryland

Arthur Osueke '17
Attorney, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Staff

Assistant Dean Shani Butts (Chair)

Assistant Dean Gemma Forest