ILAP Welcomes, Farewells, & News
BIENVenUE! Wilkommen, Welcome!
Abraao Antonio
ILAP is excited to welcome Abraao Antonio as our Senior Information Systems Specialist. A computer engineer with a passion for living life to the fullest, Abraao has a master’s in Data Analysis from Northeastern University, a bachelor’s in Computer Management and Information, and a post-graduate in Strategic Human Resources Management. He speaks English, Portuguese, and French.
Laura Clark
We are also thrilled to welcome Laura Clark as this year’s Jesuit Volunteer, supporting ILAP’s Immigrant Children’s Project and Forms Program. Laura received a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Santa Clara University. While in school, she interned with an education foundation supporting English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and with the International Rescue Committee.
Thomas Douglas, Esq.
ILAP is proud to announce Thomas Douglas, Esq. as our new Board President! Tom joined the ILAP Board in 2019 and has his own law practice in North Yarmouth. Tom is also an adjunct law professor at the University of Maine School of Law, a Commissioner on the Maine Human Rights Commission, and the Board Treasurer for Indigo Arts Alliance, among many other volunteer and leadership roles.
Barbara Leen, Esq.
Tom will be joined by Barbara Leen, Esq. in the role of Vice President. Barbara joined ILAP’s Board in 2023 and serves as a Senior Corporate Counsel with Microsoft’s U.S. Immigration group. Previously, Barbara worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate Judiciary committee where her work focused on immigration policy, legal operations, and litigation.
Farewell & Well Wishes
Elizabeth (middle) standing with co-workers during her farewell party in August.
ILAP bid farewell to Jesuit Volunteer Elizabeth Schwartz. Elizabeth was a fierce advocate for clients and made a huge impact on ILAP’s Immigrant Children’s Project and the Forms Program. She even extended her term to support ILAP’s Haiti TPS work this summer. ILAP and our clients are so appreciative. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Thank you to Marcos Pacheco Soto, who supported ILAP’s Lewiston office as a Bates College intern this spring and also assisted the AALOP team over the summer. As one of our 2022 Language Volunteer Awardees, Marcos’s translation skills and previous experience were invaluable in building trusting relationships with clients. Thank you, Marcos, and best of luck in Germany!
Thanks also to Bowdoin Maine Community Fellow Daniela Zarraga. Daniela provided critical support to our Legal Team on a U-visa case, facilitated communication with clients through Spanish interpretation and translation, and much more. Thanks for spending your summer with ILAP, Daniela!
Our heartfelt thanks goes to ILAP’s outgoing Board President, Alicia Curtis, Esq., for her countless contributions during her tenure. We’re thrilled you’ll be remaining on the Board!
ILAP News
Two ILAP staff members were sworn into the Maine Bar this fall! Leah Glowacki was admitted to the New York Bar in 2017 and has now also become a member of the Maine Bar. Leah (third from the right in left photo) was sponsored by ILAP’s Maggie Loeffelholz.
Following graduation from Maine Law this spring, Paula Esteves was admitted to the Maine Bar in October and became ILAP’s newest immigration attorney! Former ILAP Board member and Immigration Judge Jenny Beverly sponsored Paula, saying, “Each client, each person, Paula treats with genuine respect, empathy, and her real desire to help.”
