Connections developed in groundbreaking program open doors to opportunities for alumni, students
The Oxford dictionary defines a mentor as “an experienced and trusted adviser.” For Evelyn Moradian (JD 2025) – who is the first in her family to attend a university and law school, and was a member of USC Gould School of Law’s C. David Molina First Generation Professionals Program (FGP) – having the opportunity to engage alumni who shared their experience and expertise made a big difference in her law school career.
“People say mentorship is valuable and mentors change your life,” says Moradian, the 2025 Student Bar Association president. “Experiencing (mentorship) the way I did, I am fully behind that statement. I grew to understand the concept of having an advocate in the room to fight on your behalf. When I mentor students new to law school or undergrads, I look out for them, too.”
As the FGP program celebrates its 10th year of serving first-generation law students, the benefits of mentorship stand out as a program highlight. Joe Egbule (JD 2020) never felt like he didn’t belong in law school when he started at USC Gould and joined FGP, but he quickly realized how little he knew about the life of an attorney. He eagerly took opportunities presented by FGP to quiz alumni about how they handled law school and law practice.
“I didn’t know any attorneys until I was (in law school),” says Egbule, a labor employment attorney at Gordon Rees LLC in Downtown Los Angeles. “I didn’t have the connections, but FGP helps you build those connections. And connections with mentors can lead to other things.”
One of Egbule’s mentors was Olga Peña (JD 2015), who graduated before FGP was established. Growing up as the oldest of four siblings and oldest of 21 cousins on her mother’s side alone, she slotted in quickly to the mentorship role, where she emphasizes the importance of perspective.
“There is so much pressure in law school that I wanted to be a face that wasn’t scary,” says Peña, an associate at Ballard Rosenberg Golper and Savitt LLP. “My objective is to remind students that the prize at the end is a job. No one thing will make or break you. One decision will not derail your life. You have some power, you can breathe.”
Mentor relationships in FGP frequently take off before law school even begins, says Dr. Malissa Barnwell-Scott, director of Student Life and the C. David Molina FGP program at USC Gould. Alumni are involved before orientation takes place, some who were first-generation students themselves and others who simply want to be resources.
“We host a welcome mixer for FGP students, to make first-gen students more comfortable by the time orientation starts,” she says. “Students and alumni often develop rapport right away. It’s their first entry into the Trojan network.”
Mentorship opportunities also arise during FGP’s two yearly “speed networking” events, putting students in a position to practice their skills at introducing themselves, ask questions and gain insights about internships, externships, summer employment and more. The meetups are organic, allowing mentorships to blossom at their own pace, though Barnwell-Scott does make recommendations or introductions if she feels an alum and a student share common interest.
“I rarely come across Trojans who aren’t available,” she says. “So much of that (willingness to mentor) is based on student experiences (at Gould). It’s one of the reasons we make sure all students have a positive, supportive experience.”
There’s also some interface with Marshall B. Grossman Mentorship Program, run by USC Gould’s Career Services Office that helps bring together Gould alumni and JD students, enhancing the support offered by FGP.
Those who are mentored often gladly take on the mentoring commitment once they’re professionals. Moradian, now a corporate associate at Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett, LLP, has been availing herself to law students since she was a first year, passing along lessons that stuck with her throughout law school.
“Being someone who went from not knowing everything to learning everything is a unique perspective,” she says.
And many develop lasting relationships, no matter which direction their careers go in, says Peña, who still checks in with Egbule and even attended his daughter’s christening.
“My goal isn’t to forge the next superstar lawyer — it’s when someone may be drowning and needs a bit of a life vest, to show them that doors rarely close permanently,” Peña says.
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