ILAP Welcomes, Farewells, & News
BIENVenUE! Wilkommen, Welcome!
Over the last four months, we’ve had the joy of welcoming six new staff members to the ILAP team. Please join us in celebrating and welcoming each of them to the ILAP community!
In July we welcomed Lia as our new Detention Attorney, bringing a deep dedication and experience in defending the rights of detained immigrants. Read more about the new Detention Project here. We also welcomed Vonnie in July as our new Communications and Development Specialist. In October, we welcomed Emily as AALOP’s new Project Attorney, who brings two years of training and experience in asylum law and policy.
Sofia began her service as Jesuit Volunteer/Legal Assistant in August, supporting ILAP’s direct legal services with a focus on forms preparation and the Immigrant Children’s Project. Anna also joined us in August as a Katzmann Fellow with the Immigrant Justice Corps, bringing her experience in law school with UConn’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic.
We are so grateful to once again welcome Bowdoin student Daniela, who has chosen to continue her work at ILAP through our Racial Justice Fellowship.
We’re also thrilled to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors: Laura and Nadine, who bring valuable leadership experience and a shared commitment to immigrant justice.
We’re incredibly lucky to have this growing group of passionate, skilled, and justice-driven people helping to move our work forward.
Farewell & Well Wishes
ILAP bid farewell to Paula this summer. Paula first joined the organization as a Racial Justice Fellow before being hired as a staff attorney. Paula was instrumental in the development and growth of ILAP’s Asylum Assistance and Legal Orientation Project, which has helped over 3,000 asylum seekers since its launch.
ILAP also said goodbye to Nolwenn, who worked as a DOJ Accredited Representative in ILAP’s Lewiston office. During their 5 years with ILAP, Nolwenn was an invaluable resource to clients and community members through their work on legal cases, intake, community outreach events, and legal education materials.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Jesuit Volunteer Laura and Immigrant Justice Fellow Kate. Laura provided steady support during a critical time for ILAP’s Immigrant Children’s Project and the Legal Team at large. Throughout her two-year term, Kate supported many clients in securing crucial immigration protections, and greatly expanded ILAP’s capacity to provide full representation.
We’re so grateful for the incredible work of our fellows who dedicated their summer to supporting immigrants in Maine. Thank you to ILAP’s Summer Racial Justice Fellow Joao, Bowdoin Maine Community Summer Fellow Lucia, and Bowdoin Denning Summer Fellow Daniela.
ILAP News
Team Promotions
We’re also thrilled to celebrate the growth and leadership of several ILAP staff who’ve stepped into new roles:
Lourdes became Rural Community Liaison Lead in July
Eric was promoted to Legal Program Associate in August
Manuchca was promoted to Client Services Associate in August
Kate became Senior Paralegal in September
Maggie was promoted to Senior Immigrant Children’s Project Attorney in October
We’re deeply grateful for this incredible team — and for all the ways they strengthen ILAP’s mission every day.
