A Nigerian-American student has achieved a major milestone at one of the world’s most prestigious law schools after being elected to lead the student government at Harvard Law School.
Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna has been chosen by her peers to serve as Student Government Co-President for the 2026-2027 academic year, marking a significant leadership moment in the institution’s student community.
The Harvard Law School Student Government represents the interests of the student body, advocating for policy improvements, supporting student welfare, and strengthening collaboration between students and the school’s leadership.
Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Umunna expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and her running mate, Tenzin Y.
“I am humbled and honoured to have been elected 2026-2027 Harvard Law School Student Government Co-President alongside my wonderful co-candidate Tenzin Y. Thank you to the student body for believing in our vision. We are ready to serve,” she wrote.
Before enrolling at Harvard, Umunna was named a Gates Cambridge Scholarship recipient in 2024, which took her to the University of Cambridge, where she completed an MPhil. in Criminology. Her research focused on international criminal justice systems, a field she became passionate about during her time working as a congressional aide to Stephen Lynch, a member of the United States House of Representatives.
During her undergraduate studies at American University, where she graduated summa cum laude in Political Science, she also founded ZeEntry, a nonprofit initiative aimed at helping people involved in the justice system gain access to technology and digital skills.
Umunna comes from a family deeply rooted in legal excellence. She is the daughter of Dehlia Umunna, a Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the school’s Criminal Justice Institute. Professor Umunna made history as the first Nigerian professor at Harvard Law School.
Adding to her growing list of achievements, Ifeanyi was also awarded the prestigious Chayes Fellowship by Harvard Law. The fellowship will support her upcoming Summer 2026 internship with the U.K.’s Public Defender Service, where she will gain hands-on experience in London — the same city where her mother’s legal career began.
Beyond academics, Umunna has also been actively involved in community service. She has volunteered across Washington, D.C., including working with public defender offices and supporting outreach initiatives for homeless communities.
With her growing résumé – from congressional staffer to Harvard law student leader – many observers say Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna is a rising name to watch in the legal world.
