The City of Richmond has a long history of women providing leadership and influence. In World War II, women known as Rosies – popularizing the Rosie the Riveter image – contributed to the labor sector by working in factories, shipyards, and defense production right here in Richmond. Richmond is now home to the first Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, Richmond Promise wants to continue to recognize women in our community for their accomplishments. To do that, we’re currently highlighting a few current RP Scholars who are attending college and working to create their own path afterwards.

Nouhamin Leoulekal is a graduate of Middle College High School and a third year student at the University of California, Berkeley currently working towards a degree in Legal Studies and African American Studies.

Richmond Promise staff reached out to Nouhamin to ask about her accomplishments as a young woman in higher education, how her identity as a woman shapes her higher education experience, and her thoughts on Women’s History Month. 

Q: Who are you? 

A: My name is Nouhamin Leoulekal (She/Her/Hers). I’m a daughter of Ethiopian immigrant parents, but I was born and raised in the East Bay Area. I’m currently a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, double majoring in Legal Studies and African American Studies. On campus, I’m involved in several organizations such as the Black Pre-Law Association, The Matsui Center, Navigating Cal (NAVCAL), and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Off-campus, I co-direct a student-led initiative called Empowerment through Expungement, where we educate a broad spectrum of individuals, students–previously or currently incarcerated individuals–and community members, about the various record-clearing remedies available within the state of California.

Q: What awards have you received during your time in higher education? 

A: I have received the Fiat Lux Scholar Award at UC Berkeley, African American Initiative Scholarship Award, and VeVe Clarke Scholars Program. 

Q: What do you hope to achieve after college? 

A: Upon completing my education at Cal, I would like to pursue my J.D. degree to serve as a Criminal Defense Post Habeas Attorney to serve incarcerated populations and help complete petitions to obtain relief from unjust criminal convictions. 

Q: How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? Why is Women’s History Month important? 

A: When it comes to celebrating Women’s History Month, I love keeping it simple and spending time with my girlfriends. Whether we’re out and about, enjoying a picnic in the sunshine, or just chilling at home, it’s all about being together, sharing laughs, and appreciating the awesome women in our lives.

Q: Who is a woman in your life that you feel has been a role model for you? 

A: My mom is hands down my ultimate role model. She’s been my guiding light, teaching me important values that have truly shaped who I am today. Her love, wisdom, and support have always been there, helping me grow into the woman I’ve become. I’m endlessly grateful for her influence in my life.

Q: How does your identity as a woman influence your experience navigating institutions like UC Berkeley, and Legal work spaces? 

A: As a woman, my journey through higher education, especially at UC Berkeley, is shaped by gender dynamics, affecting how I’m seen, the chances I get, and the conversations I have, bringing up unique struggles and viewpoints in both academic and social scenes. This means dealing with gender biases, fighting for fairness, sharing stories and supporting other Black women who’ve been through similar experiences while helping each other along the way. While I deeply appreciate the opportunity to attend one of the nation’s premier public universities, it’s evident that the voices of many Black women in academia often remain unheard, disregarded, or dismissed both in student life and in academic environments. To navigate this challenge, I actively seek out spaces where my voice is valued and respected, and I draw strength from supportive mentors in academia who encourage me to advocate for myself and go where I’m valued most. 

Photo Courtesy of Nouhamin Leoulekal