Name: Nursena Oktem

Recipient Year: 2025

Description: Nursena is a rising 2L at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, with a strong passion for public interest law and a commitment to serving underrepresented communities. Before law school, she spent two years at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where she supported training programs for new Assistant District Attorneys and assisted with trial preparation for the Pathways to Safety Division. She earned her undergraduate degree in Government from Georgetown University, where her interest in public service and systemic reform took root. Born and raised in Turkey, she brings a global perspective to her legal studies. Outside of law, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, caring for her growing collection of houseplants, and crocheting.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nursenaoktem/