Ryyan Elgalal is a JD candidate at Queen’s University Faculty of Law, where she currently serves as Co-President of the Queen’s Black Law Students’ Association. In this leadership role, she leads initiatives that promote mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy, working to foster a more inclusive and equitable legal profession.

Ryyan’s dedication to collaboration and leadership was evident during her time as President of the Queen’s Law Students’ Society, where she worked closely with students and faculty to support her peers. In that role, she helped foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students while also providing mentorship and creating space for underrepresented voices within the law school community. Her strengths in project management, communication, and teamwork enable her to thrive in fast-paced legal settings, particularly as she seeks to advance her career in litigation.

Her interest in law and student governance began at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology.

Before law school, Ryyan developed a strong foundation in client service through several years of work in the hospitality sector. These early professional experiences sharpened her ability to manage high-pressure situations, think on her feet, and build meaningful relationships – skills that continue to shape her client-focused and solution-oriented approach to legal work.

Outside of law, Ryyan enjoys high-intensity interval training (HIIT), playing pickleball with friends, and travelling to experience new cultures.