JENINE SALEH (‘15) majored in both Political Science and Global Studies, receiving highest distinction honors during graduation.
Saleh originally decided to study Political Science and Global Studies because she wanted to work with survivors of persecution, as both of her parents faced displacement from their home countries. While at Illinois, Saleh was active in the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Chi Alpha Epsilon, and was a board member for the Student Online Advisory Board. Saleh later attended University of Chicago Law School where she received her J.D. focusing on immigration and asylum law.
Currently she is the Senior Attorney for Freedom House Detroit, which is a 501(c) nonprofit dedicated to providing a temporary home for indigent survivors of persecution from around the world who are seeking asylum in the United States and Canada. As Senior Attorney, she oversees the legal department which complies applications for asylum, represents individuals at hearings for asylum, and facilitates presentations to the community and various other actions in order to reduce barriers and risks for the people needing their services. Prior to her current position, Saleh founded her own international nonprofit, Global Health Conscious from 2013 to 2018, which donated an estimated $2.5 million in medical supplies to different UN refugee camps.
Within the Political Science program, she loved interacting with her peers because of the diverse ideas and passions they brought to the classroom. She stated, “Political Science is a very flexible degree. It’s a degree that provides crucial research, writing, debating, and communication skills. It provides valuable life skills of being able to substantiate beliefs, statements, and opinions with facts and research, both orally and in writing.”
Saleh believes that everyone needs to follow their passions and work for something that makes them want to wake up early every day. Whether you know exactly what you want to do or are undecided, she believes you should look for what you are interested in and passionate about. “[You should] find out what issue(s) you’re passionate about and find a way to be able to contribute to that issue”. Saleh is a strong advocate for using the opportunities provided to you in undergraduate and graduate school to expand your horizons and push you outside of your comfort zone.
Ms. Saleh can be reached at jsaleh@freedomhousedetroit.org.