Sumaya Abdulle, ’28 - Portland Housing Authority
This summer, Sumaya played a key role in supporting the CHEETA Program across two neighborhoods. She helped interns identify local issues and guided them in creating storytelling-based budget slideshows with proposed solutions. Sumaya also supported skill-building through resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and public speaking coaching, preparing interns to present to PHA executives. She organized a field trip to the EcoMaine waste and recycling facility and assisted with a community potluck focused on raising awareness about littering and environmental care. Her leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on both the interns and the communities they served.
“This summer, working with the CHEETA Program in two neighborhoods was truly life-changing. Collaborating with the PHA staff and CHEETA interns gave me a deeper understanding of the communities we served. From resume building to mock interviews, I saw firsthand how impactful mentorship can be. I didn’t realize how much my presence mattered until the interns told me how much it meant to have someone like me guiding them—it was incredibly humbling.”
Asha Adiga-Biro, ’28 – Community Change Inc.
As a fellow working at Community Change Inc., Asha worked on researching and compiling a list of organizations related to a topic of her choosing – food sovereignty. Asha put pertinent information about each organization, such as sector and mission statement, into a form that was then populated into a database. Asha found patterns amongst the plethora of organizations, researched their strengths and gaps, and hypothesized future collaborations. Other work included writing and researching about the past, present, and future of food sovereignty in Maine, and reaching out and interviewing other fellows whose work related to Asha’s.
“This summer, I had the opportunity to experience and better understand the intricacies of working with a non-profit organization. Listening to the conversations at meetings, I learned about fundraising methods, the importance of trust, and the emphasis on relationship building in the non-profit sector. I also learned about the ethics of non-profit organizational work and how to classify different organizations based on the mission and values they uphold. I will carry my experience this summer into the classroom, future jobs, and into conversations with friends and family.”
Grace Chang , ’27 - Hope Acts
During her time at Hope Acts, Grace supported Maine’s asylum-seeking community through direct client services as part of the Asylum Seeker Assistance Program (ASAP). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, she helped clients by scheduling work permit appointments, completing change of address forms, and assisting with applications for DHHS services. On Tuesdays, she completed work permit applications (I-765) at the Portland Public Library. In addition, Grace conducted an independent research project on mental health resources available to asylum seekers in Maine, aiming to inform and expand outreach initiatives that address the psychological well-being of the asylum seeking population.
“Working with Hope Acts this summer sharpened my commitment to advocacy and policymaking. Through direct service, I witnessed the raw challenges newly arrived immigrants face, which translated my academic interests into real-world experiences. This opportunity taught me to think and act with compassion and reminded me how even small changes can create meaningful impact within our communities. I’m deeply grateful to Hope Acts and the McKeen Center for making this experience possible.”
Lucia Galdamez , ’28 - Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Over the summer, Lucia worked with the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) in Portland, Maine, where she supported legal staff on immigration cases. She screened potential clients for U-visas and asylum, translated documents, and conducted research on country conditions. She also helped coordinate ILAP’s monthly walk-in hours and assisted with change of venue clinics, where she worked directly with clients and managed intake. She observed how immigration law is constantly changing, and how language access, documentation, and time constraints can shape a case. She learned how ILAP staff balances legal expertise with compassion in a busy legal nonprofit.
“I feel fortunate to have received this opportunity, and I will certainly miss my time with ILAP. I learned so much about how fast and slow immigration law can be. What the law is today is not what it might be tomorrow. I admire the people who are working day by day to help clients cope with that uncertainty. It requires a kind of hope, and a kind of stubbornness, that shapes how I think about public service.”
Stella Johnson, ’27 - Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program
This summer, Stella worked with Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, spending the bulk of her time with MCHPP’s Community Kitchen. She worked alongside volunteers and the Kitchen Coordinator in daily processing shifts to transform excess produce from other MCHPP programs into value-added products. By the end of the summer, she took on the responsibility of planning and leading processing shifts independently. On a daily basis, Stella also managed intake, inventory, and distribution to enhance program efficiency and improve its synergy with other MCHPP programs. The remainder of her time was allocated to the Data Innovation Project (DIP), a development project that aimed to evaluate the Community Kitchen’s efficiency and impact. For DIP, she facilitated focus groups of staff and volunteers and analyzed the resulting transcripts, while offering support on the distribution of surveys to MCHPP guests.
“I am incredibly grateful for my time at MCHPP! As someone with an interest in social justice and sustainability, this experience provided wonderful insight into how food sits at the intersection of so many social and environmental challenges, despite being something so many take for granted. Furthermore, my time at MCHPP introduced me to countless hardworking, honest, and compassionate staff and volunteers, which made the experience all the more fulfilling!”
Amelia Kane, ’27 - Tedford Housing
During the summer, Amelia worked as a fellow at Tedford Housing, where she completed a combination of administrative, research, and programmatic work. She secured donations from local businesses for the annual silent auction and digitized files in preparation for Tedford’s move to a new facility. Her research projects included drafting contribution requests for regional elected officials and town managers, creating a statewide food bank resource map, and preparing donor biographies. In addition, she facilitated weekly activities for children at the family shelter, such as art projects, science experiments, and outdoor games!
“This summer at Tedford, I learned how fragile housing can be and how homelessness can affect anyone. I gained insight into non-profit operations, especially the challenges of development and the importance of building networks with businesses and local officials. From securing auction donations and creating a statewide food bank guide to facilitating activities with children at the shelter, I am grateful for the variety of work and proud to contribute to Tedford’s mission!”
Troy Keller, ’26 - Preble Street
This summer, Troy worked with Preble Street's Advocacy Department, helping with policy-focused, community-oriented efforts towards Preble Street's primary goal: providing accessible, barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness and poverty. His work centered around reviewing proposed Maine legislation, creating promotional material for items on the upcoming referendum, and summarizing major changes from Capitol Hill in a way for Preble Street staff that captured what was relevant to the organization and its clients. Troy hopes to continue working in environments which explore the ways that policy can help improve community.
“Working with Preble Street was a fantastic opportunity! Being able to work with them this summer during their 50th anniversary as an organization helped to emphasize how expansive Preble Street is, and how many individuals across Maine they impact on a daily basis. This experience made me a better writer, communicator, and community member through my involvement in spaces like Portland City Council, and helping table events like our Longest Day of Homelessness.”
Maya Khalil, ’28 - Merrymeeting Gleaners at MCHPP
This fellowship involves participating in gleans (harvests of surplus produce) at local farms up to three days per week. Two days per week, the fellow leads the Gleaned Produce Sorting volunteer shift at MCHPP's Food Bank. One day per week, the fellow sets up a local Sharing Table to anonymously distribute gleaned produce; and completes a Farmer's Market Glean, collecting leftover produce from participating market vendors. Additional time is spent on a variety of tasks, including joining other volunteer shifts, assisting staff with projects around the Food Bank, completing administrative tasks, and working on an independent project.
“I have loved getting to know the staff and volunteers of MCHPP as I hone my farming skills and learn about ways to fight food insecurity locally! I have gotten to participate in a wide variety of projects and practice a range of skills, from writing a weekly email update to figuring out how to package sweet potato vines. This fellowship has helped me grow as a leader and shown me all that goes into running a nonprofit. As a result of this experience, I feel deeply connected to our food system and the Midcoast Maine community.”
Liam Rodríguez, ’28 - The Telling Room
At The Telling Room Liam facilitated a series of writing camps, including programs focused on underrepresented students, refugee & immigrant communities, and LGBTQIA+ youth. His work included teaching lessons in creative writing & expression, designing summer programs, editing student work for publication, cultivating safe environments, increasing workspace efficiency, and collaborations with local organizations such as the Brunswick Teen Center to extend The Telling Room’s impact. Through this experience Liam was able to gain an intimate understanding of a local nonprofit’s functions, and a deep appreciation for the myriad of experiences that come with being a child in the greater Portland area.
“My time at The Telling Room made me realize just how much we are missing by ignoring children’s stories. It’s hard to forget the spark in their eyes when a student is given a pen and told to share their ideas. When youth voices are suppressed, we lose the stories that illuminate the needs of a generation, and the adults in charge fail to act accordingly. The Telling Room is more than an art camp, it is a training ground for self-advocacy and realization.”
Hannah Smart , ’27 - ArtVan
Hannah worked to research project ideas, in addition to gathering data on the populations ArtVan serves, how to evaluate art therapy, and other information that could be used to apply to grants. Hannah also worked closely with the program team, driving across Maine to deliver mobile art therapy to children, teens, and adults. She assisted in planning projects, gathering materials, and assisting with demonstrations. Throughout the summer, she created a safe, and welcoming environment, fostering connections through warmth and empathy. Her curiosity about the individual's artistic process and emotional expression was sincere, allowing her to support their healing through art.
“By bringing art therapy into schools, neighborhoods and communities around Maine, I was able to create a safe space for people who otherwise might not have access to services ArtVan provides. Many times this summer I made connections with participants, listened to their stories, and helped them process their emotions through their art. On the operations side of ArtVan, I left a lasting impact through the information I compiled that will assist them in the grant process in the future.”
Grace Tétreault, ’28 - Brunswick Area Teen Center/People Plus
As the Maine Community Fellow, Grace played a pivotal role in promoting student volunteerism and expanding language accessibility at the Brunswick Teen Center. Over the summer, she partnered with local businesses to support a program encouraging youth engagement through service and outdoor activities. She collaborated with Bowdoin faculty and students to produce multilingual promotional materials—in English, Swahili, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, French, Portuguese, and Arabic—which she distributed across the Brunswick School District and the Welcome Center. Grace also enriched student programming by founding a dynamic improv group and organizing interactive events such as Jeopardy, pasta-making workshops, and dodgeball tournaments.
“This internship not only expanded my understanding of nonprofit operations and provided valuable experience working with youth, but, more significantly, it offered a profound appreciation for the individuals themselves. I am so grateful to the students and staff at the Teen Center for trusting me with their stories, personalities, and perspectives. While I am saddened that my fellowship is coming to an end, I hope that I have made as much of an impact on them as they have on me.”
Sage Tonomura-MacDonald, ’27 - Oasis Free Clinics
This summer, Sage worked with Oasis Free Clinics, a free medical and dental clinic in Brunswick. Her main projects involved analyzing patient attendance data, supporting the clinic’s garden tour fundraiser, and helping lead health equity initiatives. She examined trends in no-shows and cancellations across various demographic and appointment factors to develop a new attendance policy. Sage also worked closely with the fundraising committee to plan and organize the garden tour event. In addition, she collaborated with two other fellows to create a health equity training and workshop for staff and volunteers, aiming to deepen the clinic’s commitment to inclusive, patient-centered care.
“Working at Oasis this summer has deepened my understanding of healthcare disparities and the importance of data-driven solutions. Contributing to projects that aim to improve access, equity, and patient experience has been very rewarding. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside a team dedicated to delivering compassionate, inclusive care to our community members in need.”
Arianna Zou, ’28 – United Way of Mid Coast Maine and Immigrant Resource Center of Maine
This summer, the United Way of Mid Coast Maine (UWMCM) fellow, Arianna Zou, worked with the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine (IRCM) to support the Brunswick New Mainers Initiative. Her primary focus was managing the Conversational English Program. This work involved developing curriculum materials, recruiting Bowdoin volunteers, and leading weekly classes. Notably, Arianna also provided hands-on support at the Welcome Center by assisting clients with phone calls, résumé writing, and job applications. Lastly, she played a key role in workforce development by collecting surveys and analyzing trends. By identifying skillsets, employment goals, and gaps in job readiness, Arianna helped shape the framework of the upcoming entrepreneurship program.
“As someone who grew up in Maine, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the communities here. Working with UWMCM and IRCM gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the barriers New Mainers face, and how critical it is to provide support that goes beyond just language. We need systems that empower them to build long-term self-sufficiency and intercultural competency.”