Rebecca Jimenez

Class of 2027As the daughter of immigrants and the sibling of a special needs individual, I wanted to become a public interest fellow to use my legal education to advocate for people who are often overlooked by the legal system. Growing up, I saw the challenges my family faced while trying to care for my sister’s complex medical needs—navigating healthcare systems, public services, and legal processes without access to the support or guidance they needed. These experiences shaped my commitment to public service. Whether it’s helping immigrants understand their rights or supporting families through estate matters, I hope to be the kind of advocate my own family once needed.

Karin Tidgewell

Class of 2027The greatest gift of being a Public Interest Fellow has been my front-row seat to learning how our legal community members incorporate public interest law into their practices.  Whether through participating in pro bono work or conversations with attorneys dedicated full-time to our communities' most challenging issues, the Public Interest Fellowship has inspired me to create my own plan for serving the public throughout my legal career.

Talibah Abdul-Wahid

Class of 2026As a first-generation college graduate and a survivor of domestic violence, serving my community has always been my passion. Before law school, I dedicated over a decade towards nonprofit development, working to uplift voices that often go unheard in our communities. Being selected as a public interest fellow has been an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful for the support that helps me continue striving toward justice for people from all backgrounds. Thank you to the faculty and staff at Boyd for believing in me, to the legal community for embracing me, and to the broader community for continuously inspiring me. Public interest work isn’t about profit—it’s about people. And I’m truly proud to be a part of this amazing community.

Vanessa Aponte

Class of 2026As a law student who wants to dedicate her legal career to public service, the Public Interest Fellowship was a no-brainer. The program provides unparalleled opportunities to network within the Nevada legal community, and I've gotten to learn about the unique journeys of various public interest attorneys. Through the Public Interest Fellowship, I'm also attending an out-of-state conference hosted by the Innocence Network so I can learn firsthand from appellate attorneys and public defenders who work on wrongful conviction cases. Being a first-generation law student can feel overwhelming---as I never had a guide on how to be a successful law student and attorney---but this fellowship fills the gaps. With all the knowledge I've gained, I feel over-prepared to become an advocate for marginalized communities. I'm eternally grateful to be a Public Interest Fellow, and I would highly recommend anyone who wants to become an attorney for the sake of helping others to apply!

Isabella Iacob

Class of 2026Before law school, I had the privilege of working with survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, during this time, I witnessed firsthand the injustice and inequality faced by this vulnerable group of individuals. Witnessing the challenges these survivors underwent further fueled my determination to take action. I chose to become a Public Interest Fellow to do my part in addressing these injustices and ensuring representation for all communities, especially survivors of abuse.

Macie Nielsen

Class of 2026Before I knew I wanted to come to law school, I knew I wanted to have a career focused on supporting and serving my community. I got a master's degree in social work and was fortunate enough be involved with a variety of amazing non-profit organizations. These organizations, and the people I interacted with, inspired my love for public interest work. Becoming a Public Interest Fellow was a natural transition when I started law school because of my desire to continue learning about how I can make a positive impact in the lives of those navigating the legal system. Being a Public Interest Fellow gives me an opportunity to connect with other students who share my goals and passion for our futures in the field and I am honored to be a part of the work they are doing. 

Blanca Pena Nevarez

Class of 2026I chose to participate in the Public Interest Fellowship program because I am incredibly passionate about public interest law. I align with its values of social justice and equity, am intrigued by its diverse range of issue areas, its collaborative and community-oriented approach, as well as its opportunities for innovative and impactful legal advocacy. Through public interest law, I am able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while contributing to the advancement of a more just and equitable society. As a first-generation immigrant latina in law school, I have had to deal with my fair share of trials and tribulations throughout my professional and personal journey. The obstacles I faced have given me a deep-seated commitment to systemic change and a positive societal transformation, by advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized communities and challenging injustice. Unlike traditional legal practice, one that often prioritizes financial gain and corporate interests, public interest law places emphasis on serving the common good and addressing the needs of the underserved and/or disadvantaged. The shift in focus to fairness, equality, and compassion is immensely gratifying and fulfilling for myself as someone who derives satisfaction from making a tangible difference in the lives of others, ultimately leading to the advancement of broader societal goals. Having the honor of being a public interest fellow, I hope to amplify my passions and make the difference I have been dreaming to make alongside my peers!