On May 14, 2025, the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN, Inc.) launched its annual MLK, Jr. Summer Internship Program, welcoming a new cohort of first- and second-year law students to civil legal aid work.

The program begins with a two-day orientation in Harrisburg, where interns explore a range of substantive civil legal issues and learn about client-centered advocacy while working with individuals impacted by poverty and interpersonal violence. During this time, interns also have the opportunity to connect with one another and our current MLK, Jr. Program Fellows.

This opportunity is made possible through the generous support of legal professionals across our network, who led this year’s training sessions. We extend our sincere thanks to Lila Aleman, Ryan Cummins, Pam Fleck, Marissa LaWall, Seth Lyons, Nick Matash, Ria Pereira, Matthew Rich, and Rhodia Thomas for sharing their insights and expertise.

Following orientation, each intern begins their placement at one of the civil legal aid organizations within our statewide network. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they will contribute to real casework, work directly with clients, and may participate in court and administrative proceedings if certified. This experiential learning is a cornerstone of the program, offering law students a hands-on opportunity to develop their legal skills and deepen their commitment to public service.

At the conclusion of the program, each intern will reflect on their experience through a personal essay featured in our Drum Major Essay Collection. These are shared at the MLK, Jr. Summer Internship Reception, held this year on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The collection serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of their work and the legacy of service that defines this program.

Meet the 2025 MLK, Jr. Summer Interns:

Cam Chisholm

• Host Program: Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• Education: Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law (2L)

Sumitra Dhakal

• Host Program: Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
• Education: Penn State Dickinson Law (1L)

Uzoma Elekwachi

• Host Program: Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• Education: Penn State Dickinson Law (1L)

GeGe George

• Host Program: MidPenn Legal Services
• Education: Penn State Dickinson Law (1L)

Ashlee Harding

• Host Program: Northwestern Legal Services
• Education: Widener University Delaware Law School (1L) 

Lindsay Henry

• Host Program: Summit Legal Aid
• Education: Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University (2L)  

Dan Joyce

• Host Program: Neighborhood Legal Services
• Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law (2L) 

Regina Macias

• Host Program: Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
• Education: St. Mary's University School of Law (2L)

Abbey-Gail Morris

• Host Program: Community Justice Project
• Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (2L) 

Abby Narvaez

• Host Program: Pennsylvania Health Law Project
• Education: Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law (2L) 

Rishi Nayee

• Host Program: Community Justice Project
• Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (2L) 

Nathalie Polo

• Host Program: Justice at Work
• Education: Widener University Commonwealth Law School (2L) 

Devon Spiva

• Host Program: North Penn Legal Services
• Education: Penn State Dickinson Law (1L)

Ahraya Travis

• Host Program: Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project
• Education: Widener University Delaware Law School (1L)

Since 1991, the MLK, Jr. Summer Internship Program has supported more than 400 law students, strengthening our capacity to meet the civil legal needs of low-income individuals and families across Pennsylvania, while helping to shape the next generation of justice-minded advocates.