Armin Salek, a Texas-based social entrepreneur, attorney, and teacher, is giving first-generation high schoolers hands-on experience using the law to address needs in their communities. By establishing pathways from high school legal clinics to higher education and employment, Salek is ensuring the spread of legal literacy in immigrant communities and giving students a new sense of purpose. Ashoka’s Simon Stumpf caught up with Salek to learn more.
Simon Stumpf: Armin, you’ve spent this month meeting with aspiring first-generation lawyers and coaching students in Mock Trial finals. There’s a connection between where you’re from and the work you’re doing today, isn’t there?
Armin Salek: Definitely. When I