Meet the 2025–2026 leadership team of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Western State! BLSA works to empower Black law students and strengthen their presence in the legal profession while helping cultivate a more equitable and supportive campus environment. The organization hosts professional development events, mentorship initiatives, and organizes meetings that allow students to network. Through these efforts, BLSA builds community, encourages leadership, and creates meaningful opportunities for connection. While centered on uplifting Black voices and experiences, BLSA invites all Western State students to participate, learn, and contribute to a more inclusive legal community.
Meet the Executive Board
Jasmine Cleveland, 3L
President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal Law.
Role Models:
Viola Davis (my absolute #1); Morgan Freeman; Samuel Lee Jackson; Obama; Martin Luther King, Jr.
Future Goals:
I want to work for the District Attorney’s Office and work my way up to the Homicide Unit. I also want to look into becoming a gang and narcotics expert.
Hobbies:
(1) Going to the beach; (2) spending time with family; (3) I’m a huge foodie so trying foods from all different cultures; (4) Horror movies and mysteries.
Fun Fact:
I played softball for 11 years and all of my teammates and family members called me OJ (orange juice).
Advice for new students:
Go at your own pace; You are your only competition. Once you gain control over your thoughts and build your confidence, you will really begin to see what you are capable of. You were called to be here for a reason.
Lauryn Payne, 2L
Vice President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal Law.
Role Models:
My dad I saw the impact he had on others as a trial attorney and I knew from a young age I wanted to be like him. He continues to guide me throughout my law school journey. And Johnnie Cochran I was always a fan of his trial theatrics and even wrote a paper on him.
Future Goals:
In the future I see myself being a prosecutor and maybe even a judge one day!
Hobbies:
Trying new restaurants, pilates, watching new tv series, NYT mini crosswords.
Fun Fact:
I played Division 1 soccer in undergrad. I also have a Master of Public Policy from Pepperdine University.
Advice for new students:
Just be yourself and make friends! Law school is demanding, and having friends who truly understand what you’re going through while you’re all going through it together can make all the difference! And making time for things outside of school is really important as well!
Kaitlyn Reymond, 2L
Secretary
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal Law.
Role Models:
My grandfather is my role model!
Future Goals:
My future goal, is to be an advocate for those who need someone to advocate on their behalf.
Hobbies:
When I actually have free time, I like to travel, go to the beach, concerts and read for fun.
Fun Fact:
I work as a high school teacher during the day! At the high school I work at, we have a program called Heritage for black students, where we try to get the students A-G ready, so they can go to a university after high school! It helps the students want and be able to go to college.
Advice for new students:
Not to get discouraged ! You’re new to law school, you’re going to have to learn how to adapt and find what works for you and what doesn’t. Use the resources the school gives you, and utilize office hours with your professors!