On Friday, May 17, the Class of 2013 heard from many outstanding and accomplished speakers at their graduation ceremony, but perhaps the most unique among them was Munira Akhunzada (LL.M. ’13). Munira was chosen to speak at graduation by her classmates through a popular vote. And her speech was just as inspiring as her background–it even made KPCC news!

Munira Akhunzada and Shamsi Maqsoudi

Munira Akhunzada and Shamsi Maqsoudi

Munira and fellow LL.M. graduate, Shamsi Maqsoudi, were selected by the US government’s Public Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan, which is a very selective program that promotes the next generation of Afghan legal scholars and judges. Before coming to Chapman Law, Shamsi worked for USAID Afghanistan and Munira worked for United Nations organizations for the promotion of women and human rights.

“Munira’s selection as graduation speaker shows how much she and Shamsi have impressed their fellow students, but they have impressed the faculty as well. It’s been an honor to work with them,” said Professor Ron Steiner. Both Munira and Shamsi were interviewed by KPCC back in October 2012 when they first arrived in the United States. Since then, Munira and Shamsi more than lived up to the PPP’s high expectations. Munira earned the highest grade in four of her classes: Introduction to American Law, Advanced Legal Research, International Law & Organizations, and Negotiations.

Munira says she will use her new knowledge of the law to become a judge in Afghanistan and Shamsi wants to become a Professor of Law at Kabul University.

Anyone who knows Shamsi and Munira has likely already been inspired by them. But we all know that this is just the beginning.