Larah Gutierrez-Camano, ’26 - Pony Power Therapies
This summer, Larah worked with Pony Power Therapies, a nonprofit serving participants with a range of physical and intellectual abilities. She helped lead horse-assisted learning sessions, supported adaptive riding, and connected with Spanish speaking families, fostering confidence and connection while deepening her understanding of eco-somatic forms of promoting positive health outcomes.
“I explored eco-somatic approaches to health through one-on-one work with students of varying abilities. Fostering growth through challenges while working with horses meant balancing support while allowing learning to unfold naturally.”
Delaney Jones, ’26 - The Office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
This summer Delaney interned for Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, in his Washington D.C. office. As an intern, Delaney learned firsthand how a Senate office functions and expanded her knowledge of the legislative process. She worked closely with Senator Merkley’s Communications, Environment, and Foreign Policy teams on a wide range of projects. Her tasks included answering constituent phone calls, compiling press clips, drafting memos, researching legislation, attending briefings and hearings, sorting and responding to constituent mail, and giving tours of the Capitol.
“I feel incredibly grateful for my time in Senator Merkley’s office this summer. I have learned so much about our government and the processes upon which our democracy depends. Perhaps even more notable, though, is the renewed sense of hope I feel. After hearing the voices of thousands of constituents, I am heartened by the widely shared desire to craft a world that is fair, thoughtful, and willing to entertain a range of competing views. I am returning to Bowdoin feeling inspired to continue my pursuit of public service”
Paulina Lee, ’26 - Korean American Coalition
This summer, Paulina Lee interned with the Korean American Coalition, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles dedicated to advancing the civic and civil rights of the Korean American community. As part of the KIP internship program, she contributed to a range of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about anti-Asian hate. One highlight of her experience was participating in the “Stamp Out the Hate” campaign, where interns designed meaningful stamps as symbols of solidarity, resistance against hate, and the importance of civic engagement, encouraging the Korean American community to vote and make their voices heard.
“This experience deepened my understanding of the history of Korean Americans in the United States and how grassroots efforts have shaped their position in Los Angeles today. I gained insight into the many ways the community has engaged civically and how, as a Korean American myself, I can contribute to amplifying our voices. Much of my work focused on advocating for the community as they navigate systemic barriers. Along the way, I had the opportunity to connect with mentors who showed me the value of engaging in meaningful, purpose-driven work and how I can apply my passion for legal accessibility to support these communities. They emphasized the importance of persistence and care in a field that is not always widely recognized or supported.”
Rachea McDonald, ’26 - Community Change Inc.
This summer, Rachea worked with Community Change Inc. During her time with CCI, Rachea conducted in-depth research into what language access and justice looks like in Maine, specifically in the cities of Brunswick, Portland, and Lewiston. Rachea’s job was to help create a database that would act as a resource center for community organizers, as well as a resource kit for marginalized communities in the most diverse cities of Maine. Rachea absolutely adored her team and was grateful for the opportunity to work with them this summer. Rachea truly enjoyed her time at CCI this summer.
“My summer was amazing, to put it lightly. The work that I was able to do with CCI reinvigorated me in a way that I didn't expect. It reminded me that there are always good people doing good work, not only on the forefront, but behind the scenes as well.”
Eli Mears, ’26 - The Maine Community Power Cooperative
At the Maine Community Power Cooperative (MCPC), Eli joined a burgeoning start-up with big goals: MCPC hopes to provide affordable, renewable energy to hundreds of rural Mainers through small, unintrusive solar fields, and they will do so through a cooperative structure—that is, the people who pay to access their solar power decide how they manage their own power. Eli drafted dozens of potential solar fields, created a list of towns from which a multi-month development scheme began, and met with community leaders across Maine to learn more about their land and need for renewable energy sources.
“It was an extraordinary privilege to contribute to MCPC’s solar development efforts this summer, and a joy to work alongside similarly dedicated colleagues. The developments and projects I planned at MCPC made a significant difference not only to the cooperative itself, but more importantly, to the rural Maine communities suffering from high utility bills. I’m incredibly grateful to MCPC and the Center for Ecology Based Economy for allowing me to work with them this summer.”
Sophia Poeschla, ’26 - Pine Tree Legal Assistance
This summer, Sophia interned at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, a non-profit that provides free, civil legal aid to Mainers with low incomes. As an intern in the Consumer Unit at Pine Tree Legal, Sophia worked on consumer issues, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, student loan, and auto cases. She called and interviewed clients, prepared bankruptcy petitions, prepped documents for litigation, and contributed to weekly case review meetings. Additionally, she shadowed Pine Tree Legal attorneys and paralegals in-court! Through her internship, Sophia learned about consumer law, the court system, and barriers to justice in Maine.
“My experience at Pine Tree Legal Assistance was formative and special in several ways. I learned about legal matters and processes, and how the law can be a tool to increase justice. I learned about the diversity of Maine and its unique historical and social context. Connecting with Pine Tree Legal staff, clients, interns, and its wider community was meaningful and exciting!”
Libby Riggs, ’26 - Disability Rights Maine
This summer, Libby interned at Disability Rights Maine, a non-profit organization dedicated to enforcing disabled people’s rights and expanding access to education, employment, and public services. Libby contributed to research on guardianship and disability employment, conducted outreach and monitoring of group homes, and assisted with intakes. She spearheaded a project assessing employment opportunities and barriers for Mainers with disabilities, presenting her findings to the DRM staff to push for policy change. Libby also attended cross-team meetings, engaged in ASL staff lunches, and participated in DRM’s disability pride event, building meaningful connections along the way. These experiences deepened her commitment to advancing equity and justice for disabled people.
“This summer, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in disability rights work. From assessing employment services for disabled Mainers to collaborating on different outreach efforts, I learned how to best center disabled people’s voices and push for policy reform. I discovered the power of working in a vibrant and justice-driven community; at DRM, we come together in both joyful and challenging moments to cultivate change.”
Chloë Sheahan, ’26 - The Maine Governor’s Energy Office
This summer, Chloë worked at the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) as an offshore wind intern. The Maine Offshore Wind Initiative was launched in 2019 by Governor Mills to balance offshore wind development with existing marine uses to ensure sustainable preservation of the economic activity and natural resources of the Gulf of Maine. Chloë created communication material for the Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium’s three funded projects: Socioeconomic Baseline Inventory, Fisheries Coexistence, and Seafloor Mapping, and for the permitting process and key considerations for submarine power cables in Maine coastal waters. She also got to take a tour of the University of Maine's 1/4 scale floating offshore wind turbine, the first floating turbine in the United States!
“I learned more than I ever could have imagined working at GEO this summer. I met folks in GEO and many other state departments who shared their experiences and taught me more about offshore wind, state government, and what goes into creating environmental policy. I’m excited to take what I learned and apply it to my honors project on offshore wind, other classes this fall, and beyond.”
Anna Tran, ’26 - Coalition for Asian American Children and Families
Through the Denning Summer Fellowship, Anna worked as a program intern at the Coalition for Asian American Children + Families (CACF), a pan-Asian non-profit organization in NYC that advocates for the equity and opportunities of AAPI communities. She worked on the coding, data analysis, and development of impact reports for two existing CACF programs: AAPI Youth Community Action Network (AYCAN) and Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Communities. Furthermore, she helped CACF host the 2025 AAPI NYC Mayoral Forum, and also planned various service project options that the next AYCAN cohort can select from to enact service to their communities.
“As someone from the South who rarely had access to spaces where others looked like me, much less had access to advocacy AAPI organizations and programs like these growing up, I was deeply touched by the work I contributed to this summer and the impact that support and identity celebration have on AAPI youth. I have been deeply moved by CACF’s commitment to uniting and advocating for AAPI communities. Seeing how CACF uplifts NYC’s next generation of AAPI leaders, I feel a great sense of motivation to continue this AAPI advocacy work beyond Bowdoin.”
Daniela Zarraga, ’26 - Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
This summer, Daniela interned with the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project in Portland, Maine. She worked primarily within the Asylum Assistance and Legal Orientation Project (AALOP), which informs applicants of the asylum process and assists them with the filing of their application. Within AALOP, Daniela mainly coordinated with Spanish-speaking clients by being the main point of contact and conducting detailed screenings. In addition, she met one-on-one with asylum applicants to assist with completing their applications or providing interpretation services. At the end of July, she presented at the Spanish legal orientation workshop, providing information on the criteria for applying for asylum.
“My experience with ILAP has demonstrated the importance of compassion, support, and collaboration, especially with detrimental, changing immigration laws. In a time where we are witnessing an increase in detentions nationwide and violation of basic rights, there is a need for relentless advocacy, which I have seen each day within the work that ILAP does. I am grateful to have spent my summer working alongside the immigrant community in Maine and ILAP during such a crucial time.”
Eden Zumbrun, ’26 - New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)
As a Denning Fellow, Eden worked with the New York League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy organization that works to elect pro-environmental leaders across New York state and hold them accountable while in office. In this role, Eden contributed to a variety of advocacy efforts ranging from phone-banking and canvassing to participating in candidate interviews. These efforts engaged and educated hundreds of voters, informing them of upcoming races in their areas and the candidates' legislative records. Working with her fellow interns, she managed a database of electoral races and developed comprehensive profiles for candidates across the state. She also analyzed and advocated for stakeholders of offshore wind development across New York.
“As a Politics Fellow at NYLCV, I greatly appreciated the ability to explore all avenues of advocacy. Whether that was participating in the over 10,000 phone banking dials that we made over the summer or sitting in on candidate interviews to learn about the intricacies of local environmental concerns and corresponding initiatives, I felt that I was able to develop a broad understanding of New York politics as it relates to combating climate change and promoting sustainability.”