Vanessa graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2018, earning a degree in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. Vanessa’s concentration, international relations, involved significant coursework in comparative politics, international law, foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security.

In 2017, Vanessa studied abroad through a comprehensive UCLA abroad program that took place in London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Experiential learning at the International Criminal Court, European Union headquarters, the Hague, and Westminster gave Vanessa first-hand familiarity with the interconnectedness among international economic policy, politics, and various legal systems. Studying European Union law, Brexit, political theory, and global economics in Europe further compounded Vanessa’s long-term interest in international economic law and policy.

Upon her return to UCLA, Vanessa elected to complete research papers and projects about globalization, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and trade policy. Vanessa is fluent in several dialects of Arabic and looks forward to continuing her commitment to interdisciplinary studies and international law as a law student. At Georgetown, Vanessa serves as the 1L representative of the Georgetown International Law Society and Arab Law Students Association. She is also a RISE Fellow and student ambassador.