Program on Law and Leadership

Student Profiles

Reyahd D.J. Kazmi '11

Reyahd D.J. Kazmi '11 is a dual-degree candidate at The Ohio State University's Glenn School of Public Affairs.

Kazmi is no stranger to leadership. At 25 years old, he is the youngest commissioner ever elected to chair the Ohio Commission on African American Males (OCAAM) in its 21-year history. Kazmi was appointed by Governor Ted Strickland to OCAAM in 2007 and was re-appointed in March 2009.

Kazmi is intensely involved in many humanitarian efforts and has an impressive academic career. As an undergraduate at Capital University, he graduated magna cum laude and received the Academic Excellence Award for the highest GPA of all graduating African-American males.

Kazmi has worked in many political campaigns including the Obama campaign, where he served as a community organizer, public liaison, and African-American outreach coordinator. He has also worked for former Democratic Caucus Leader Joyce Beatty and Governor Strickland.

"The Program on Law and Leadership is a fantastic way to learn, become accustomed to, and discover how you as a future lawyer have more to contribute to your community than just the practice of law," Kazmi said. "From guest speakers to workshops, you have the opportunity to hear firsthand how lawyers affect society not only in the courtroom, but outside of it. Also, the PLL is a way to tap into and increase our strengths that don't necessarily shine while in law school, but are very important to our futures."

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