Alumni Spotlight: Ahira Castillo

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Current Title: Fall 2022 Law Student at Columbia Law School

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Describe FLIA in three words.

“Transformative, Impactful, Connective”

Describe your career path. How did your fellowship with Future Leaders in Action prepare you for this role? 

“I am preparing to graduate from Columbia University this spring and enter my first year at Columbia Law School in the Fall. In terms of how FLIA prepared me for this current period, I wouldn't even know where to begin. FLIA showed me the power of true advocacy. That is, through my fellowship project I got to advocate for a community I was truly passionate about and make a difference. That sparked a joy for advocacy that I wanted to continue for the rest of my life and eventually led me to the legal field. More than that, FLIA taught me how to advocate for myself. I distinctly remember being completely intimidated by my project when I first began. I was only 20 years old at the time and I didn't think I would be able to pull it off. Through the support of my team at Fiver and the community at FLIA, I received so much encouragement. I learned to advocate for my ideas and for my potential as a change-maker. As I embark on another daunting journey of beginning my career in law, I will carry that passion for advocacy but also that belief in my own potential that ultimately traces back to the weeks I spent at FLIA.”

What's something interesting about you that's not on your resume?

“I began sharing my creative writing online about a year ago, and that is one of my favorites hobbies. My goal in 2022 is to take it more seriously and be more consistent.”

Is there any support you’d like to give?

“If anyone is starting the law school application process, I would be more than happy to help! I'm happy to give tips or insights on the process, as well as look over any personal statements, resumes, etc.. Also, if there are any fellows who would like to bounce some ideas off of me for their project, I am always happy to jump on a phone call or send some emails. FLIA was such a transformative part of my life and I would love to stay connected.”