ASU Law graduate champions health care reform

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.

Chanel Okosun will receive her Master of Legal Studies with an emphasis in health care law and administration from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. She has long been interested in understanding the intersection of law, policy and real-world outcomes in the health care field.

Through her MLS, she has gained a specialized perspective on legal procedures and regulations — something she knew would be invaluable in corporate environments and future work in health care advocacy.

Okosun eventually plans to form an LLC focused on compliance, collaborate with corporate organizations and use her background to advocate for stronger health care policies.

“Long term, I want to pursue a JD and further strengthen my ability to effect change through legal avenues,” she said.

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: My “aha” moment came from watching a TV show called “Grey's Anatomy.” I found myself completely engaged, asking questions and wanting to understand more about health care. It felt like the MLS was a perfect intersection of my interests: protecting patients, empowering health care providers and ensuring systems are both ethical and effective.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One thing I learned at ASU Law that truly surprised me was how deeply laws shape the very fabric of our society, not just in the courtroom. I began to see law not just as a set of rules, but as a reflection of our values, our history, and even our struggles for equity and justice. It surprised me how laws influence everything from the way we access health care to how we define patient rights and organizational responsibility. Learning about landmark health care legislation like HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act made me realize that laws are living tools that evolve alongside society. They don't just respond to societal needs — they actively shape them.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because of its strong reputation for innovation, especially in legal education. The MLS program stood out to me because it offered exactly what I was looking for — a specialized focus in health care law and administration.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor Loni Burnette taught me one of the most important lessons during my time at ASU Law in her contract law course. What stuck with me was her emphasis on the importance of clarity and precision in every agreement. I learned how a single overlooked clause can have major consequences. Contract law taught me how to think like a legal professional, to anticipate risks and to advocate for fair, ethical terms.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Stay curious and passionate. It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and grades, but some of the most valuable learning happens when you take the time to understand how what you’re studying connects to the real world, especially in fields like law.

Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?

A: My favorite spot for power studying was a quiet corner of my home with a big window and lots of natural light. Just me, my laptop and a strong cup of coffee.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I plan to continue working at CSPO, where I’ve been able to apply so much of what I’ve learned in real time. From there, I want to dive even deeper into health care policy, exploring how legal frameworks can drive systemic improvements in care delivery, compliance and equity. Long-term, law school is definitely on the horizon. My experience in the MLS program has solidified my passion for the intersection of law and health care, and I’m excited to keep building on that foundation.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would tackle hunger and poverty. These two issues are so deeply interconnected and affect every aspect of a person’s life, whether it is health, education, opportunity or dignity. No one should have to choose between feeding their family and paying for necessities like medicine or shelter.

Q: Highlight an interesting moment or story, or accomplishment while at ASU Law.

A: One of the most memorable accomplishments during my time at ASU Law was earning an A+ in tort law. It was a challenging course that required sharp analytical thinking and a deep understanding of legal principles, but I genuinely enjoyed diving into the complexities of liability, negligence and duty of care, especially how these concepts play out in real-world health care scenarios. I liked building strong legal arguments for both sides. 

Written by Crystal Jimenez