Myla Somersall grows global perspectives from local roots

Atlanta-native Myla Somersall has the world at her feet. From Spain to Switzerland, the third-year Woodruff-Martin Luther King, Jr Scholar spent much of the first two years of her undergraduate career globe-trotting with a purpose.

An International Studies major, Somersall aspires to a legal career that allows her to pursue her passion for advocacy and human rights with an international lens.

For Somersall, these global ambitions stem from local roots.

“Growing up in Atlanta, I was immersed in a city shaped by civil rights activism, with museums, murals, and community organizers reflecting a rich legacy of change garnered through sustained, grassroots action,” she says. “Yet, alongside this inspiration, I witnessed systemic inequities firsthand.”

From a young age, Somersall experienced how difficult it was for her family to secure educational accommodations for her autistic younger brother. And as a volunteer, she’s seen first-hand how formerly incarcerated individuals are inhibited by re-entry barriers.

“These experiences shaped my belief that diplomacy and justice must be rooted in empathy, equity, and lived experience,” she says.

After eighth grade, she began building the elemental skills of diplomacy and advocacy as a part of the Veritas School of Social Sciences (formerly the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project). Inspired by the Veritas community and alumni, Somersall remained involved with the program as an alumnae and volunteer.

“Being a debate teacher is my way of giving back to a program that has poured so much into me,” says Somersall.

Exploring justice abroad

After her first year at Emory, Somersall traveled to Poland with Veritas School of Social Sciences as a part of their inaugural alumni experience.

That same summer, she embarked on her first multi-week solo international experience: studying abroad at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. A Spanish minor, she relished the opportunity to strengthen her fluency and navigate a new culture.

“It deepened my appreciation for global learning, adaptability, and cross-cultural connection,” she says. “I left with a greater sense of independence, resilience, and purpose, especially in pursuing work in an international setting.”

For the spring semester of her second year, she set her sights on a program at the School for International Training in Geneva, Switzerland—but not without some trepidation.

“My French vocabulary consisted of five words,” Somersall says. “Even when I mustered up the courage to try, my poor accent and pronunciation would immediately cue waiters to speak English.”

In addition to the obstacle of a new language, she was required to conduct primary research by interviewing experts for the first time. Challenged to step outside of her comfort zone, Somersall chose to embrace discomfort.

While attending U.N. sessions and visiting international humanitarian and trade organizations “the stakes of international law and diplomacy feel urgent and real,” she says.

In the process of embracing her own discomfort and witnessing global diplomacy in action, she found untapped stores of resilience and cultivated new skills, academic and non-academic.

“I fell in love with hiking and even learned how to ski!” she adds.

“My experience abroad taught me the value of balance and connecting with nature,” says Somersall. “It reaffirmed my commitment to studying law from a global, justice-oriented perspective.”

Advocacy at home

With broadened cross-cultural perspectives, Somersall’s commitment to justice continues at home in Atlanta.

Before beginning her junior year, she spent the summer as a Youth Education Intern for the International Rescue Committee through Emory’s Ethics and Servant Leadership Program.

“My favorite role was connecting with students and learning their unique stories. Having immigrant parents myself, I found it heartwarming to connect with newcomer families and foster a sense of community among refugee youth.” she says.

Deeply involved with Emory’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), she currently serves as the External Vice President, overseeing advocacy initiatives that engage over 500 students each year and coordinating flagship events celebrating Black excellence, among other responsibilities.

Through Emory’s 409 Juvenile Mentorship Program, she tutors youth at the DeKalb Regional Detention Center. “As someone passionate about criminal law, I’m eager to deepen my understanding of juvenile justice and contribute to positive change,” says Somersall.

As if her schedule wasn’t full enough, she is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as well as a Criminal Investigations Intern at Cobb County District Attorney’s office.

With significant breadth and depth of experience under her belt, Somersall is wisely keeping her options open.

“I am still navigating the possibilities within the legal field,” she explains. “Ultimately, I want to work in a space where I can advocate for others, promote justice, and ensure fair and equitable legal processes—both at home and globally.”