Gladys Osien, JD ‘19, is returning in the role ofBlack Legal Mentor-in-residence andDebra (Ramsay) Love, JD ‘11, will engage as the new Wellness Mentor-in-residence.
Osien has been working with the Black Law Students’ Association to support their activities since 2021-2022. She is a bilingual lawyer, published researcher, and mentor. Osien is currently an associate in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office practicing in product regulatory law. Her practice focuses on product regulatory law in relation to food, drugs, natural health products, cosmetics, medical devices and other consumer products.
“The role of the Black Legal Mentor-in-residence is one of the ways that the Faculty of Law is demonstrating its commitment to support Black students at the Faculty. It is important for students to feel like they have resources to help them navigate the legal profession. They have in me an ally that wants to see them succeed by providing guidance regarding their career, navigating recruitment processes, identifying additional resources.” says Osien.
Her role is to provide support and to connect with students but also to bridge a sense of understanding between the Faculty and the experiences of students at the Faculty. The unique aspect of this role is that she liaises with the Dean and the leadership team at the Faculty. Therefore, she has the opportunity to ensure that students’ concerns reach the appropriate person.
“The Black students at the Faculty have often taken on the burden of tackling difficult issues for the purpose of achieving equity while having to focus on their education. With me in this role, they don’t have to take it all on, they can focus on learning and enjoying the experience that law school has to offer.”
In addition to being a helpful resource, she hopes to bring more understanding to the ‘Black experience’ at the Faculty of Law and advocate for the supports and considerations that students need. As far as projects, in addition to meeting with students one-on-one, Osien supports the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) in accomplishing their mandate.
“Having an ear to the experiences of students allows me to generate ideas on how we can strive towards building a more inclusive and equitable community at the Faculty and my goals and efforts are directed towards advocating for these ideas, being a resource to the Faculty on equity, diversity and inclusion and supporting student initiatives.”
Debra (Ramsay) Love, JD ‘11, has joined the Common Law Section as the new Wellness Mentor-in-residence.
Love is a graduate of the Programme de common law en français (PCLF), whose work in government over the last 10 years has spanned international law, administrative law, commercial law, and privacy law, and has led her to an acting position as Senior Counsel and Manager in Aboriginal Law with the Department of Justice Canada.
Debra has also been an educator, speaker, and advocate of wellbeing, diversity, and success for over 15 years. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and has an extensive background in learning and change management. As an entrepreneur and Coach, Debra founded iNTENTION first, a business to uplift and empower people who want to stop living small and experience a life of maximum fulfillment and success. She is honoured to support you on your path of continued wellbeing.
The Common Law Section is grateful and honored to have representatives such as these serving our community.