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Marcela Toscano Interview
No full textMarcela Toscano (Class of 2024) was interviewed by Laura Narvaez via the Zoom internet-based video conferencing software on November 14, 2025. Toscano grew up in Oak Cliff with her mother, grandmother, and two sisters in a traditional Catholic household. She went to Ursuline Academy and was encouraged by her mother to pursue admission into Southern Methodist University. Toscano attended SMU from 2021 to 2024 and earned a bachelor's in Business Management with a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning. While at SMU, Toscano participated as a Hilltop Scholar and in the First Generation Association as an outreach chair. She later joined the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority where she became the historian and Vice President of Finance. Toscano participated in internships with D magazine and the Social Chica through the Cox business school which allowed her to learn more. She appreciated the career fairs on campus that let her network and find opportunities. As of this interview Ms. Toscano is an accreditation program coordinator at Children's Health in Plano, TX
Sanaa Ghanim Interview
No full textSanaa Ghanim (Class of 2020; J.D. 2023) was interviewed by Laura Narvaez in the Norwick Center for Digital Solutions on November 6, 2025. Ms. Ghanim earned her bachelor's degrees in Human Rights and English in 2020 and her juris doctorate in 2023 from Southern Methodist University. Ms. Ghanim was born in the West Bank in Palestine in 1998. Her family immigrated to Dallas, Texas, in 2000 via the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. She grew up in a big family with six siblings. Because her extended family all stayed in Palestine, after immigrating her family found community through the local mosque. During her time as an undergrad at SMU, Ms. Ghanim participated in Student Senate and Human Rights Council, and conducted original research on the American public school system's coverage of Palestine and Israel. In 2020, during her senior year, Ms. Ghanim received the M Award. To attend law school at SMU, Ms. Ghanim secured a full scholarship from the Sumners Foundation. At the time of this interview, she works as an attorney for the firm of Holland & Knight
Janet Leung Interview
No full textJanet Leung (Class of 2011) was interviewed by Julia Trabucco on November 11, 2025. Ms. Leung grew up in a small town in Mississippi after moving there from Louisiana as a child. Her parents, who immigrated from China, owned a Chinese restaurant, which influenced her unique cultural identity as she often felt out of place among her peers. Growing up in a community with limited educational resources allowed her to recognize the importance of education. Ms. Leung was encouraged by her parents to excel academically, which ultimately led her to Southern Methodist University where she majored in financial consulting and economics. During her time at SMU from 2008 to 2011, she became heavily involved in student organizations, including serving in leadership roles in the Asian Council and Indian Student Association, and participating in the Student Senate where she advocated for student rights. She credited her mentor at SMU as a significant influence in her life, helping her build confidence as a leader. Upon graduating, Ms. Leung encountered challenges in her professional life but eventually transitioned into nonprofit work, reflecting on the need for purpose in her career. She appreciates the network and education she received at SMU and remains connected to the university through the Asian Pacific Islander Alumni Board. Ms. Leung described her time at SMU as impactful and transformative, emphasizing the value of mentorship and the importance of inclusivity in academic environments
Reverend Denise Sawyer Interview
No full textReverend Denise Sawyer (Class of 1999) was interviewed by Laura Narvaez via the Zoom internet-based video conferencing software on July 12, 2025. Rev. Sawyer attended the Perkins School of Theology at SMU where she received a Master of Divinity. She was born and raised in Nassau in the Bahamas with a very vibrant community, surrounded by her five siblings and extended family. Rev. Sawyer grew up attending a Methodist church, which sparked her intrigue towards religion. Before attending college, Rev. Sawyer worked at a daycare that made her want to become a teacher. She attended Flagler College in Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in special education for the hearing impaired. Afterwards, she returned to the Bahamas and taught for 10 years, until a call to ministry led her to theology school. She ended up at SMU due to their swift communication and scholarship opportunities. SMU’s program challenged her mindset towards faith, and she made many meaningful connections. Upon graduation, Rev. Sawyer began preaching in Kansas, until recently making the shift to become a Chaplain. Rev. Sawyer currently works in a hospital in Florida as the Systems Director of Spiritual Services