UF Law SBA is committed to enhancing and celebrating a full spectrum of diversity at UF Levin College of Law. Throughout the year, we’ll share stories of students whose backgrounds and experiences contribute to diversity in the legal community.
Law Review, Moot Court, club president, teaching assistant—a typical law student would want one or two on their resume, but Alisha Moriceau is known throughout the UF Law as the person who does it all. After earning her bachelor’s degree at University of Florida, Alisha immediately started her journey as a Double Gator to attend law school.
When asked if law school had always been on the plan, Alisha’s answer came as no surprise.
“[S]ince I was 5 I knew I wanted to be a judge. So, law school and lawyer first.”
But one conversation with Alisha and you realize that her accomplishments are just a small fraction as to who she is a person. Alisha has been a champion of diversity her entire life.
“To me, diversity is about embracing others for the very reasons that keep you apart–race, gender, religion, and sexuality.”
As a first-generation college graduate, a Haitian woman, and an open lesbian—Alisha not only knows diversity, but lives it. As the former president of the Black Law Students Association, Alisha has spent her past year demonstrating to students that being diverse isn’t a barrier.
“I try to demonstrate to minorities that we can accomplish anything– hence law review and moot court. I hope me being on [both] aspires others to do the same.”
Alisha has also stated that any chance she gets she “always talk[s] on LGBT and minority issues and help[s] promote awareness”
Alisha has approached her time at UF Law with a hunger and drive that inspires those around her and accounts for her reputation as a brilliant and ambitious individual.
But she attributes her success to being aware of diversity in all aspects and using that to her advantage.
“In the law school context, diversity is essential to one’s overall understanding of the legal process; having a diverse classroom allows for discussion from different perspectives. At UF Law our classrooms have students from all walks of life, i.e., who are non-traditional, older in age, different races, etc. This provides for great insight into the law and various points of view when examining cases.”
While her time at UF Law is not yet over, her contributions to student life have already established a foundation for an unapologetic celebration of diversity and cooperation between different cultural groups on campus to achieve that end. Alisha, and the manner in which she has spent her time at UF Law, serves as a reminder that certain things, such as education, professionalism, and diversity, should be approached with an insatiable hunger to constantly achieve more and be better.