Gloria Chikaonda

Knight-Hennessy Scholar and 2020 Stanford SPILS graduate; JSD candidate at Stanford Law School

Gloria Paidamoyo Chikaonda is a Zimbabwean-born academic and legal scholar currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Stanford Law School.1 2 She has an impressive educational background, having earned her BA/LLB and LLM in Comparative Law in Africa from the University of Cape Town (UCT) before joining Stanford University.2

Academic Pursuits

At Stanford, Gloria is:

Pursuing a JSM (Master of the Science of Law) and a JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law) in International Legal Studies1
A Knight-Hennessy Scholar, having been selected for the prestigious scholarship program in 20192
Working as a Graduate Peer Learning Consultant since October 20212

Her research interests focus on African legal theory, legal pluralism, and customary law.2 Gloria is passionate about developing an African jurisprudence that aligns with traditional African values and addresses the needs of African people.1

Professional Experience

Prior to her studies at Stanford, Gloria:

Worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant in UCT's Private Law Department1 2
Served as a Research Fellow for the Centre of Comparative Law in Africa at UCT2
Held various leadership positions in student organizations, including Secretary General of the UCT Student Representative Council and President of the Postgraduate Law Students Council1

Achievements and Recognition

Gloria's academic and leadership accomplishments include:

Receiving the Leadership Excellence Award at UCT1 2
Being presented with the award for Most Outstanding Postgraduate Student Faculty Council during her tenure as president1
Co-founding the International Students Association of South Africa1

Personal Interests

Outside of her academic pursuits, Gloria:

Enjoys drawing and painting2
Advocates for natural hair acceptance and maintenance on her YouTube channel 'Gloria. C'2
Has a tradition of reading 'Jane Eyre' every year2

Gloria Chikaonda's diverse experiences and achievements demonstrate her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and the development of African legal systems.