Current Student Ambassadors
Schedule a virtual one-on-one with a student ambassador.
Barbara Garcia-Powell, 2L
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
- Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Houston-Downtown, B.A. in English
- Graduate School and Degree: University of Houston-Downtown, MBA in Leadership Management; Sam Houston State University, M. Ed in Instructional Leadership and Technology; Prairie View A&M University, Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education Administration
- Law School Extracurriculars: Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Black Law Students Association (Vice President 25-26), BARBRI Bar Prep Student Representative, Energy Law Association (Vice President 25-26), Ethics Counsel (1L Representative 24-25), Women's Leadership Council
- Legal Jobs: Alcoa Corporation (Pittsburgh, PA)- Summer 2025 Law Clerk
- Future Plans: I hope to begin my legal career as an associate at a law firm with a strong higher education or employment law practice, with the goal of eventually transitioning to in-house counsel at a university or national organization. My long-term goal is to become general counsel at a university and, ultimately, to serve as a university president.
- Why WVU Law: What drew me to WVU Law is its commitment to building a strong, supportive community and its focus on educating the whole student. Being admitted into WVU Law felt like a warm embrace. It was a genuine welcome into a community that values more than just academic performance. From the start, the school made it very clear that students are not just future lawyers, but individuals with diverse backgrounds, ambitions, and needs. WVU Law stands out for its faculty and staff who are deeply invested in student success, including their personal development and long-term career achievements. I was also drawn to WVU Law’s size, confident that its smaller class sizes would foster close relationships with professors, personalized support, and a true sense of community among peers. I am happy to say that has absolutely proven to be the case.
Jacob (JT) Tanner, 3L
- Hometown: Ravenswood, West Virginia
- Undergraduate School and Degree: West Liberty University, Psychology
- Law School Extracurriculars: Innocence Project
- Legal Jobs: Adams, Fisher, & Chappell and 4th & 5th Circuit Public Defender's Offices
- Future Plans: Criminal Law/ Family Law
- Why WVU Law: I’m drawn to WVU’s mission to serve the state and its people, and I believe the College of Law offers both the training and the values I need to become an effective advocate for those who need it most.
Sam Snider, 3L
- Hometown: Weston, West Virginia
- Undergraduate School and Degree: West Virginia University, B.S. in Economics
- Law School Extracurriculars: VP of the West Virginia Energy Association
- Legal Jobs: Summer Associate at Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC
- Future Plans: Civil Litigation Attorney
- Why WVU Law: I chose to come to WVU Law to enhance myself with the ability to serve those around me and be a part of making a difference in people’s lives.
Olivia Moncada, 2L
- Hometown: Scott Depot, West Virginia
- Undergraduate School and Degree: BA Political Science Marshall University
- Law School Extracurriculars: 2L Class Council Fundraising Chair, Themis Bar Prep Student Representative, Women's Leadership Council
- Legal Jobs: 2025 - Law Clerk for the Office of the WV Attorney General Civil Rights Division. (Upcoming) 2026 - Summer Associate at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
- Future Plans: While I came to WVU Law with a desire to practice environmental law with a focus on water conservation, my summer clerkship with the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General has sparked a new interest in practicing civil rights litigation, especially in the labor and employment sector. I plan to use my 2L year to study and learn about these areas while preparing for practice.
- Why WVU Law: As a daughter of Appalachia, my decision to attend WVU college of Law was an easy choice beyond the comfort of staying in my home region. WVU Law provides a focus on student success in every aspect; both in and out of the classroom. I immediately felt welcomed and taken care of, as the staff never forget a face and are enthusiastic about building an engaged legal community beyond the doors of the school. Support is offered in every aspect, from academics, social mentors, career services, and on-site mental health care. Going to WVU Law was one of the best choices of my life and I couldn't imagine being surrounded by peers that feel like family anywhere else. Whether you are from Appalachia or are traveling from across the country to be here, WVU Law ensures that you are bound for success, wherever the country roads may take you.
Trysten Moss, 2L
- Hometown: Charleston, West Virginia
- Undergraduate School and Degree: West Virginia University, B.A. in Psychology and Minor in Law & Legal Studies
- Law School Extracurriculars: Lugar Trial Association, Black Law Student Association
- Legal Jobs: Intern at Ciccarello Del Giudice & Lafon in Charleston, WV; Legal Assistant at Spilman, Thomas & Battle in Morgantown, WV; Summer Clerk at Maui County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- Future Plans: Civil or Criminal Defense
- Why WVU Law: I had a really positive experience here as an undergraduate, and the relationships I built and support I received had a strong impact on both my personal and academic life. Staying in WV allowed me to continue growing those relationships while pursuing my academic goals. WVU Law’s strong focus on public service also drew me in because it was an area I was eager to gain experience in. Finally, the resources and support I was offered, given my circumstances, made WVU Law the right decision for me.
