Staff Spotlight – Meet Our 2019 Fellows
Name:
Anne Gallerano
Fellowship and Sponsor:
Notre Dame Shaffer Fellowship
EFE Program:
Employment Helpline
Project:
My project has three aspects, all focusing primarily on gaining or keeping jobs for people with mental illness. The first aspect is to help with the Employment Rights Helpline. The second involves helping prospective employees expunge or seal their criminal records. Last, I will provide legal assistance to individuals with mental illness at a community mental health provider.
Why did you choose EFE?
EFE was a compelling organization to me because it combines my interest in labor and employment as well as public interest law. Support for individuals with mental illness is also a cause close to my heart, and is an underserved population to be sure.
What are three words you would use to describe Equip for Equality?
Compassionate, welcoming, and dedicated.
If you could be anywhere (other than the office) right now, where would you be?
Hiking in any of the U.S. National Parks.
Name:
Sydney Penny
Fellowship and Sponsor:
Barry T. McNamara Disability Rights Fellow, through Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
EFE Program:
Civil Rights Team
Project:
My Fellowship allows me to work on all manner of cases on the Fundamental Rights Team.
Why did you choose EFE?
EFE’s focus on both individual advocacy and systemic impact litigation creates a uniquely fulfilling environment where we can both quickly address the problems our individual clients face, and work to ensure that other, similarly-situated people never experience the same mistreatment.
What are three words you would use to describe Equip for Equality?
Dedicated, diligent, and undaunted.
If you could be anywhere (other than the office) right now, where would you be?
Camping!
Name:Fellowship and Sponsor:
Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by Aon and Kirkland & Ellis LLP
EFE Program:
Special Education Rights Clinic
Project:
I will advise and represent low-income families to remedy violations found by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) of Chicago Public School’s (CPS) widespread delay and denial of special education services to potentially thousands of children with disabilities. ISBE found that CPS implemented policies and procedures that systemically delayed or denied services to potentially thousands of students with disabilities. There are over 52,000 children with disabilities enrolled in CPS, many of whom were harmed by procedural violations that were designed to cut $29 million in special education funding. My project will identify those students who were harmed, ensure they receive the services to which they are entitled, and set up supports to ensure that students have access to the services they deserve in the future.
Why did you choose EFE?
I first started working with people with disabilities in high school, and as a result I have always recognized the importance of special education services. When I learned about EFE’s Special Education Clinic, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my interest in the law and passion for disability rights work. My first summer as an intern I was immediately struck by the office culture. Everyone here is incredibly driven in their mission to advocate for people with disabilities and share a compassion for all people. It is both comforting and motivating.
What are three words you would use to describe Equip for Equality?
Committed, Selfless, Zealous
If you could be anywhere (other than the office) right now, where would you be?
Wrigley Field – in the bleachers.
Last updated: June 18, 2021