Lela Udry

Born in Iowa to two English teachers, Lela grew up surrounded by cornfields and nourished by books. She attended a Spanish immersion school, a transformative experience that sparked her interest in both languages and travel. 

Today, Lela holds a BA in Philosophy and Spanish from Vanderbilt University. Although she initially intended to study piano, twists and turns in the road brought her from Bach to Borges. During her time at Vanderbilt, Lela published an essay on Augustine in Libero, an international philosophy journal. She also received the Berry Undergraduate Prize for Excellence in Philosophy. After graduating, Lela used the analytical skills she had developed in her work as a paralegal at a non-profit immigration clinic in Iowa. Through her work, she developed a passion for humanitarian immigration law. 

In 2024, Lela moved to Barcelona to pursue a Master’s in Migration Studies at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Her Master’s thesis explored the phenomenon of statelessness in the Levant. In addition to her graduate studies, she studied Arabic at a local academy. After graduation, Lela worked as a Supervisor of Legal Operations at an international immigration law firm in Barcelona. In this role, she supervised the preparation of humanitarian visa applications for asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking. She deeply believes in the power of clear and honest writing, both in legal affidavits and college application essays. 

Lela is an avid salsa dancer, traveler, and language-learner. When she’s not out exploring a new city, she can be found trying out new recipes in her kitchen, doing her daily Duolingo lesson, or watching the latest season of Love is Blind. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two golden retrievers.