Laila Rahbari

Meet Laila

Laila’s time at Cornell has largely been shaped by her experiences with the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This future human rights lawyer credits them with providing opportunities for her to engage not only with her peers, faculty, and alumni, but also the Ithaca and greater New York community through her research and fellowships.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am a Cornell Tradition Fellow, and I'm active in TEDxCornell, Cornell Alternative Breaks, Cornell Women of MENA, Persian Student Organization, and Cornell Ski and Snowboard Club. 

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?    

My go-to campus resource is the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement. A lot of my time at Cornell has been shaped by my experiences in the Einhorn Center. It is a great way to connect with the Ithaca community and engage in social justice issues. The center has been one place where I have found community on campus, and I am proud of the work I have been a part of there. I am the Senior Manager of Student Programs in the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement and oversee all the student-run programs. I am also the president of one of the student-run programs, Alternative Spring Breaks.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?     

I wish I knew how undergraduate-focused Cornell is. There are so many amazing resources tailored to undergraduate students, and the students are so supported by the university. There are so many clubs, grants, research opportunities, and more. There are endless opportunities for your taking, and that is something I haven't seen at any other university.

Where is your go-to place to eat on campus, and what is your favorite thing to order?    

My go-to place to eat on campus is Temple of Zeus, and my favorite thing to order is a mozzarella sandwich. I am a vegetarian, and they always have great, fresh options.
 

Hometown

Orlando, Florida

Graduation Year

2025

College/School

  • School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Majors

  • Industrial and Labor Relations

Minors

  • Law and Society
  • Near Eastern Studies

Pull Quote

I have so many amazing memories at Cornell it is hard to choose. One of my favorites would be getting the opportunity to speak in front of the ILR Dean's advisory board about the importance of social justice programs and discuss my research on refugees.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

I love hiking and checking out the local waterfalls. There are an endless amount of gorgeous hikes and nature activities in the area. I never get tired of it, and going on a beautiful hike so close to campus is always a great stress reliever.

Tell us about your favorite Cornell memory.

I have so many unforgettable memories at Cornell it is hard to choose. One of my favorites would be having the opportunity to speak in front of the ILR Dean's Advisory Board about the importance of social justice programs and my research on refugees. I was also sent to New York City by the ILR school to attend the Groat and Alpern ILR award ceremony. I was overwhelmed by the amazing ILR community, and I got to spend the evening speaking to amazing alumni about their experiences.

Tell us about an off-campus program you've participated in.

I participated in the High Road Fellowship. I spent the summer between my first year and sophomore year in Buffalo, NY, working as a Democracy Fellow with the Office of New York State Senator Sean Ryan. I spent my summer researching refugees and the issues they face in Buffalo. I then published a research paper on my findings and presented them to Senator Ryan. It was one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences I have had at Cornell and reinforced my goal to become a lawyer.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on attending law school with the goal of becoming a human rights lawyer.