Nafisa Ahmed

UC Irvine 1L – Working with the Counsel on American Islamic Relations, Nafisa’s fellowship project is to create know-your-rights materials and a seminar to help immigrant and refugee women who face domestic abuse in the greater Los Angeles area.  She will help the women learn about their rights and a path to legal residency under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and also address the language, cultural, and religious concerns that arise.  As many of the women in need lack transportation and means to seek out resources downtown Los Angeles, Nafisa will focus her seminars in areas east of Los Angeles, including Pomona and San Gabriel.  The committee was impressed by Nafisa’s project, her focus on areas outside the city center, and the potential for longevity of the project with the Counsel on American Islamic Relations.