Uzoma Elekwachi

attorney-in-training · international law · immigration · nonprofit founder

Uzoma
Elekwachi

J.D. Candidate, Penn State Dickinson Law · East Asian Studies, University of Virginia · Founder, GOGIRL International

about

I am a rising third-year law student at Penn State Dickinson Law with a focus on international law and immigration. My path has moved through congressional offices, global forums, rural Vietnam, rural West Africa, and a law school clinic, connected by a consistent interest in how systems of power shape people's lives across borders.

I founded GOGIRL International at 16, a nonprofit connecting over 200 girls in West Africa with peers in the US for mentorship and economic support. That work has shaped how I think about law: not as an abstract system but as a tool that either opens or closes doors for real people.

I bring multilingual ability (Korean, with working knowledge of Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, and Arabic), a record of substantive legal and advocacy work, and a genuine curiosity about how law functions across borders, cultures, and communities.

currently

Rising 3L, Penn State Dickinson Law · Chief Justice, GPSA · Legal Intern, DC DLCP

based in

Silver Spring, MD / Washington, DC

founder

GOGIRL International · Est. 2016

interests

International Law · Immigration · East Asian Affairs · Gender & Development · Trade Policy

experience

A full arc, from high school to now.

Scroll the bar to filter by chapter.

2025
internship

Legal Intern

DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

Supporting the agency's legal team with consumer protection matters, regulatory compliance, and administrative proceedings.

2024–25
leadership

Chief Justice, GPSA

Penn State Dickinson Law

Presiding over student governance proceedings, managing election integrity, and serving as a point of contact for student advocacy within the law school community.

2024
clinical

Immigration Law Clinic

Penn State Dickinson Law

Direct legal representation and support for immigration clients, including client interviews, legal drafting, and case strategy under attorney supervision.

2023
legal aid

Legal Aid Intern

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Assisted attorneys serving low-income clients across civil legal matters, with a focus on housing and consumer issues.

2023
facilitation

Training Facilitator

DISRUPTHER Conference · Population Council, New York

Led a training for the launch of a program equipping women with skills and resources to run for political office.

2022–23
research

International Affairs Research

The Asia Group, Washington DC

Research and analysis on East Asian trade policy, geopolitics, and cross-border regulatory issues for a strategic advisory firm.

2022–23
ambassador

Running Start Young Women to Watch · Ambassador

Running Start, Washington DC

Elected to represent Running Start in its mission to help young women run for office. Created mixed-media promotions on empowerment, activism, and advocacy.

2022
MC

Master of Ceremonies

Reykjavik Global Forum · Harpa, Reykjavik, Iceland

Introduced political leaders, worked alongside Icelandic parliamentary members, and networked with world leaders. Represented Running Start as 2022 Ambassador.

2022
internship

Congressional Intern

US Representative Karen Bass · Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Program

Conducted daily research, created official memos for Legislative Assistants, worked with constituents, and planned events with the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth.

2021–22
coordination

Coordinator

Global Education Destinations

Managed Buddies Without Borders global clubs, moderated cross-cultural conversations, and connected students worldwide on critical real-world problems.

2020–21
facilitation

Coach · Mentor · Facilitator

Buddies Without Borders Global Online Forum

Spearheaded trainings for student teams from over 12 countries. Supervised IB students, aided team projects, and promoted global citizenship.

2020
government

Maryland General Assembly Page

Maryland State House · Montgomery County

Served as Montgomery County's representative in the Maryland State House, participated in official bill hearings, and created summaries for Delegates and Senators.

2019
teaching

Vietnam Exchange Intern

Hanoi, Vietnam

Created English curriculum and taught elementary school children in a rural village. Mentored Vietnamese high school exchange students in Maryland.

2019
volunteer

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer

Baltimore, Maryland

Set up residences for Syrian refugee families.

2018
speaker

Invited Speaker

Save the Children: World AIDS Day Conference, Washington DC

Invited to speak on health education as a youth panelist.

2018
scholarship

Yale Young Global Scholars

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Collaborated with students from over 20 countries on capstone projects focusing on global health and sustainable development.

2018
internship

Running Start College Internship

Running Start, Washington DC (completed while in high school)

Conducted interviews and surveys with US Congresswomen. Provided insight on Running Start programs and prospective events.

2017
program

Running Start High School Internship

Running Start, Washington DC

Engaged with young women about empowerment, feminism, and political leadership through campaign simulations and elevator pitch training.

2016–present
founder

Founder & Executive Director

GOGIRL International

Founded at 16. Connecting over 200 girls in West Africa with peers in the US for peer mentoring and support. Provided networking for goods made by over 60 girls to finance their education. Delivered feminine hygiene kits to over 300 girls and young women in rural areas.

2016–2020
forensics

Four-Time National Orator

Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensics League · National Catholic Forensics League

Competed nationally in Declamation, Oral Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, and Original Oratory.

2025

education

J.D. Candidate

Expected 2026

Penn State Dickinson Law

Immigration Law · International Law · Corporations · Internet Law. Immigration Law Clinic. Chief Justice, GPSA.

B.A., East Asian Studies

May 2023

University of Virginia · Korean Concentration

Minor in Social Entrepreneurship (Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy). Washington Literary Society. AfroHoos Dance Team (Creative Director). UVA Jazz Ensemble.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

May 2020

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School · Olney, MD

Four-time National Orator. IB Supervisor and Forensics Coach post-graduation. Yale Young Global Scholars alumna.

skills

languages

  • Korean professional working proficiency
  • Spanish intermediate
  • Mandarin Chinese basic/conversational
  • Japanese conversational
  • Arabic beginner

legal

  • Legal research & writing
  • Client interviewing & counseling
  • Immigration law
  • Administrative law
  • International trade policy
  • Westlaw · LexisNexis

leadership & other

  • Nonprofit founding & management
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Public speaking & oratory
  • Policy analysis & research
  • Event facilitation
  • Student governance

contact

Open to opportunities in international law, immigration, and East Asian affairs.

for
inquiries