First-generation grad fosters change through immigration law
W. P. Carey Turken Family Scholar Lea Deen.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
While in middle school, Lea Deen was shocked to discover a website selling merchandise featuring her stolen digital art.
"I had been encouraged to pursue a career in law and began researching IP laws, copyright protections, and cease and desist letters," says Deen, the 2024 W. P. Carey Turken Family Scholar who is graduating with a bachelor's degree in business law.
After drafting a strongly worded letter to the website owner that resulted in the merchandise being removed, Deen was inspired to help other artists facing similar challenges.
"I realized the importance of law and how it can benefit people's lives," she said.
As a paralegal at JCL Immigration, Deen has observed how the law can positively impact people and their families in other ways. She describes the experience as invaluable for learning the nuances of immigration law and recommends working in immigration to any student passionate about pursuing law to help others.
"Directly managing families' stories and stressors can be emotional, but I wouldn't have it any other way," says Deen, a Phoenix-based ASU Online student. "I'm grateful to my team for providing me with support, and to my parents who immigrated to the U.S. and inspired me to enter this field and foster change from the inside."
Following graduation, Deen will combine her passion for immigration law and supporting entrepreneurship by attending the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, earning her JD and practicing as an immigration attorney focused on business immigration and EB-5 visas. She also hopes to make strides in her art business, including expanding to an e-commerce digital art platform to promote inclusion and innovation in the online art community.
Question: Why did you choose ASU?
Answer: I chose to attend ASU because the university offered a convenient credit transfer process from my community college, was close to home and the generous Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) — which I participated in up until this past summer — covered my online tuition. I stayed because of the excellent professors, endless opportunities and the strong sense of community across Arizona.
Q: What was your experience participating in the SCAP program?
A: Pursuing my degree through the SCAP program was amazing. It strengthened my commitment to Starbucks and ASU, provided opportunities to connect with other SCAP students and allowed me to support myself and my family through an employer I love while furthering my education — the highest honor of all. Despite being an ASU Online student, the SCAP program supported me in studying abroad in Costa Rica, participating in the SCAP Fellowship for Starbucks’ corporate office, engaging in Partner Networks through volunteering events, and tutoring and mentoring fellow ASU Online students — all while pursuing my love for the coffee industry by earning my Coffee Master certification. I strongly recommend the program to anyone who must work throughout school but wants to get involved in their community.
Question: What's something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: To succeed, you cannot be afraid to put yourself out there. Despite the countless opportunities at ASU, students must take the initiative to advocate for themselves. ... Go to office hours, initiate conversations with professors, join clubs and pitch yourself at networking events. I would have missed out on opportunities if I had let my worries overcome my willingness to speak up.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Lora Koretz's LES 305: Business Law and Ethics for Managers course changed how I view education at ASU. Professor Koretz was deeply involved in the success of her students and always made time to host review sessions and hold office hours. During these sessions, Professor Koretz exemplified ASU’s values of inclusivity and welcoming all students — whether online or in-person — who wanted to learn or simply have a meaningful conversation. Through her encouragement, I realized that online students can participate fully in university life by working, joining clubs and getting involved with the student community. Inspired by her example, I began assisting Professor Koretz as an instructional aide. It made me truly feel like part of the ASU community.
Q: What advice would you give to those still in school?
A: As a first-generation college student, I often felt the odds were stacked against me: I spent hours researching to understand things about college that were intuitive to others. Then I attempted to pass on that knowledge to my younger sister who is also interested in attending college.
It is important not to let uncontrollable life situations like this dictate your life. Do not let feeling behind in the present determine your future. Sometimes it is best to revert to old cliches, and simply remember that when life gives lemons, make lemonade.
Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
Answer: I would create a scholarship fund similar to the Turken Family Scholarship to provide higher education to prospective students in developing countries. Through my experiences as a foreign affairs lobbyist for the global READ Act Reauthorization and Girls Lead Act, I recognized the importance of education in lower-income countries for lowering infant mortality rates, increasing potential wages and assisting the global economy. I hope this opportunity unlocks the potential of other nations and offers unique perspectives to diversify the U.S. through entrepreneurship and research. After establishing the scholarship, I would allow myself $5 to buy a boba tea.
More Sun Devil community
Comeback falls short, but Sun Devils can hold heads high
With 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s Peach Bowl, the Arizona State Sun Devils trailed the Texas Longhorns by 16 points.Reality, it seemed, had set in.ASU’s unexpected,…
7 words that define ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt: 'How great do you want to be?'
On a small whiteboard affixed to the outside of Sam Leavitt’s refrigerator are seven words:“How great do you want to be?”They are more than a question to Leavitt. They are a challenge. And they are…
ASU wide receiver Xavier Guillory driven by faith, family and heritage
It’s a few minutes into the Zoom call when Arizona State senior wide receiver Xavier Guillory is asked about his father.He looks up and keeps his gaze there, as if he’s picturing his father, Raphael…