Our Interview With Josephine Wu & Sadia Safa, Co-Chairs Of The NYU APALSA

By the Juris Education Interview Team‍

Josephine Wu & Sadia Safa are the Co-Chairs of the NYU APALSA.

What inspired you to take on a leadership role in APALSA?

Coming into law school felt overwhelming—like entering an entirely new world with a steep learning curve. What stood out early on was how much upperclassmen invested in helping 1Ls adjust, especially through APALSA’s welcoming events and mentorship. At the same time, experiences before law school—whether feeling unsure about joining affinity spaces or growing up without a strong AAPI community—made the value of connection even more clear.

Through APALSA’s early programming, we found not only guidance but also a sense of belonging, which motivated us to get involved as 1L Representatives. That experience deepened our commitment to fostering mentorship, community, and inclusion for AAPI students. Stepping into leadership roles, including Co-Chair, felt like a natural next step to continue building a supportive space where students can connect, grow, and see themselves reflected in the legal profession.

How does the NYU APALSA support students academically and professionally?

APALSA supports students through a wide range of programming driven by its many committees, each focused on different aspects of student life. Academically, initiatives like outlining panels and discussion-based events help students navigate coursework while engaging with legal and social issues affecting the AAPI community.

Professionally, APALSA offers robust resources through its Private Professional Development (PPD) Committee, including resume reviews, mock interviews, office hours, and guidance on navigating the fast-paced recruiting process. Students interested in public interest are supported through programming on social justice issues, community service, and public sector careers.

APALSA also connects students with alumni and legal professionals through networking opportunities, mentorship, and events like the Annual Fred Korematsu Lecture. Across all of these efforts, APALSA creates a strong support system that helps students succeed academically while exploring diverse career paths.

How has your involvement in APALSA shaped your own law school experience?

APALSA has been central to our law school experiences. It has provided not only leadership opportunities and professional development, but also a deep sense of community and belonging. Through APALSA, we’ve built lasting friendships, found mentors, and connected with inspiring peers and alumni.

It has also reinforced the importance of representation—showing that students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation and AAPI students, can thrive in a profession historically shaped by limited perspectives.

Most importantly, APALSA has shown that law school is not just about academics or career outcomes—it’s about community. That support system sustains you through the most challenging moments and pushes you to grow in ways you may not have imagined. In many ways, APALSA has defined our law school journeys, and it continues to inspire us to give back and create opportunities for those who come after us.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Josephine Wu & Sadia Safa to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement in college. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.