The Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) at Drake Law School has been a powerful source of community and connection for its members. Under the leadership of 3L student, Terumi Wayne, APALSA was revived several years ago with the goal of providing a space for Asian American law students to bond, collaborate, and network.
“My favorite part of APALSA was creating a space for Asian American law school students at Drake,” Wayne said. “It has been a great means for us to bond as a community of law students, and I’ve made incredible friends along the way.”
During her 2L year, Wayne served as APALSA President, working closely with Professor Ellen Yee, APALSA’s faculty sponsor, and other Asian American students to foster a welcoming community. APALSA’s initiatives included hosting a booth at CelebrAsian in collaboration with Iowa Law’s APALSA, serving as baristas during Lunar New Year, and organizing a trip to Seattle for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) conference, and more. These activities provided opportunities to connect with Asian American attorneys and expand professional networks. The organization also participated in the annual Cady Day of Service by hosting an LSAT Prep Material Drive to support aspiring law students.
APALSA’s logo, inspired by the enduring strength and renewal symbolized by the lotus flower, reflects the organization’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for Asian American students. Now led by President Hanna Chang, APALSA remains a source of community and support at Drake Law. As current leaders prepare to graduate, the group is seeking new students to step forward and continue its mission of building community and fostering connections among Asian American law students.
“APALSA is not limited by the boundaries set by its predecessors,” Wayne said. “It’s entirely driven and defined by the people who choose to rally behind it.”