ILAP Welcomes, Farewells, & News
BIENVenUE! Wilkommen, Welcome!
Marjorie Hankla
ILAP is excited to welcome Marjorie Hankla as the organization’s new Development Director. Marjorie previously worked as a labor attorney in Brazil, spent time traveling the world, and most recently served as United Way of Southern Maine’s Director of Major Gifts and Stewardship. A native Portuguese speaker and proficient in Spanish, she loves traveling and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Fatima Saidi
We are also thrilled to welcome Fatima Saidi to ILAP’s Board of Directors. Fatima is the Director of We Are All America at the National Partnership for New Americans and previously worked with the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC). Born in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Fatima’s early life was shaped by displacement under Taliban rule. She came to the U.S. as an international student at Bates College and has a long-standing commitment to immigrant rights.
Farewell & Well Wishes
Outgoing Development Director Laura Simocko (middle right) stands with other members of the Development Team at ILAP’s Spring Gathering.
ILAP bid farewell to Development Director Laura Simocko this spring. Laura, who first joined ILAP in 2011, held multiple positions with the organization, most recently serving as the Development Director for the last 6 years. Laura’s steady leadership and passion for justice were pivotal in sustaining and growing ILAP’s work. We extend so much gratitude for the lasting impact she’s had on the organization. We are excited for Laura’s new venture, a fundraising and marketing consulting firm, Cormorant Collective (cormorantcollective.com), which she launched with former ILAP staff Olivia Orr. Best of luck, and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
We also bid farewell to long-time Board members Leslie Silverstein, Peter Landis, and Shafaat Qazi. Each dedicated many years and countless contributions to ILAP. We’re thrilled Peter and Shafaat have decided to remain on ILAP’s Development Committee. Thanks for your commitment to ILAP, Leslie, Peter, and Shafaat!
Thank you to Anna Sirois who was among the Maine Law externs supporting ILAP’s Asylum Assistance and Legal Orientation Project (AALOP) and Bowdoin student Daniela Zarraga who continued her work with ILAP through our Racial Justice Fellowship. Thanks also to office intern Amelia Olaru!
ILAP News
ILAP is thrilled that Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) Fellow Emily Massell will be extending her work with the Immigrant Children’s Project for an additional year, thanks to the support of the John T. Gorman Foundation.
A Note From Us (with Snacks!)
At ILAP, gratitude goes both ways. This spring, we launched the Gratitude Station — a cozy little spot in our office stocked with different snacks, drinks, and treats as a way to thank our staff for their incredible dedication. There’s just one catch: each time they visit the station, they’re invited to write a thank-you note to one of you — our supporters who make all of our work possible.
These handwritten notes are personal, spontaneous, and full of heart. You might receive one in the mail soon!
The Gratitude Station has become a small but joyful way to celebrate the power of connection between those doing the work and those making it possible. Thank you for inspiring our staff and fueling this mission — with your generosity, we all get to be part of something deeply good.
