Kemzang is a student in the French Common Law Program (PCLF) and pursuing the combined degree JD-BSocSc program with a specialization in political science, but her leadership journey began long before law school.
In high school, she served as valedictorian and was awarded the prestigious Leadership Prize, awarded to the student who has shown consistent leadership throughout secondary school. Now, as she continues to thrive in a challenging academic environment, Kemzang channels her talents into multiple initiatives, including serving as the Lead Francophone Mentor for the Regional Mentoring Centre, a team of uOttawa student-mentors from around the world offering support to other uOttawa students, as well as the Vice-President of Communications for Jeunesse Yemba, an organization dedicated to promoting Cameroonian Yemba culture.
Navigating Law as a Tool for Justice
For Kemzang, the decision to pursue law was inspired by a unique philosophy. She likens life to “a vast board game where the law is nothing more than the fundamental rules of the game.” By mastering these rules, she believes individuals can devise strategies, navigate challenges, and address complex situations more effectively. “The law gives us a basis for acting effectively and justly when unfortunate events occur,” she says.
This approach drives her involvement in RÉCLEF, where she advocates for the interests of French-speaking law students and works to expand opportunities for them. It also fuels her ambitions of helping French-speaking communities by reducing language barriers, increasing the range of legal services available to francophones and improving access to justice.
“Completing my training in French to serve the French-speaking minority is one way for me to remedy the imbalance in services between French and English speakers,” she says. “Being able to study in French allows me to preserve my roots and, in the near future, I will be able to help others who want to do the same by providing them with legal services in French.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Kemzang’s vision extends far beyond her current academic pursuits. “As a future lawyer, I will focus my responsibilities on dismantling discriminatory structures, highlighting the voices and experiences of the marginalized, and designing a future where fairness is the norm, not the exception.”
Her determination to contribute to social justice, representation and inclusion reflects her passion for humanitarian causes and her strong leadership background.
As a mentor and advocate, Kemzang hopes to inspire others to pursue their goals, particularly Black students considering law school at uOttawa. “Go for it!” she urges. “There’s a big Black community here in Ottawa, and it’s very welcoming.”
She also highlights the combined programs as great options for prospective students: “If you speak French and don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, the combined JD and Political Science (JD-BSocSc) or Commercial Sciences (JD-BCom) programs can ease the stress of law school applications.”
A Leader for Today and Tomorrow
Our law school community is made stronger by young leaders, like Sandra Kemzang. Her commitment to social justice exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and highlights the power of cultural heritage, determination, and the pursuit of equity for all.
Leadership Rooted in Community and Culture: 1L Student Sandra Kemzang
Born in a French-speaking region of Cameroon, first-year student Sandra Kemzang brings her rich cultural heritage and a passion for equity to her role as the 1L representative for the Regroupement étudiant de common law en français (RÉCLEF).