Pine Crest School alumna Bianca De Souza ’16 was named one of J.P. Morgan & The Tab magazine’s Future 100 for her work as an advocate for students and faculty at Cardiff University.
“When I was a student at Pine Crest, my plan was always to study law,” said Bianca. “Cardiff is one of the best law schools in the United Kingdom, and the law program offers a lot of hands-on teaching and external opportunities for students. It also is a three year program which leaves me eligible to take the bar in certain states in the U.S.”
Finishing The Tab’s contest for the top 30 most influential female university students as number 18, Bianca earned the opportunity to attend an exclusive event with J.P. Morgan.
“The event was about promoting women in different fields,” said Bianca. “We learned different ways to better ourselves in the workplace, and how we can push forward. It was women empowering each other, and it was a great opportunity to meet women who strive for more. I was blown away by what they are doing to better our world. It was humbling to be in a room with such ambition, talent and intellect.”
Bianca is the chairman of the Law School Student and Staff Panel and she sits as the student representative on the Board of Undergraduate Studies.
“In each school within the University, we have student and staff panels that serve as a way to bring both groups together and discuss any issues we may have,” said Bianca. “This is usually on matters for bettering the learning environment. The biggest issue we faced this year was dealing with the nationwide strike action taken by professors due to changes in their pension scheme. It left everyone uneasy as to what the effects would be on studies and exams. In the board meetings, I speak as the voice of the students. It is a chance to bring action to quell the issues of the members of the law school.”
In terms of what is next for Bianca, “In the United Kingdom there are different degree classifications, and I am obviously aiming for the top because that is what Pine Crest taught me! After I graduate next year (2019) I will go to New York City and take the bar exam. I want to go into international corporate law. I find what I do and study to be fun and the difference I can make to be exhilarating.”