The 25th anniversary of the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center is a time to look back at its impact since its founding in 1998. As the starting point for Miami Law students committed to advocacy and service, participants of HOPE - Miami Scholars, Fellows, Public Interest Leadership Board, volunteers, and friends – take advantage of programs, clinics, projects, courses, and opportunities while in law school.
After they graduate, they pave the way for meaningful service and impact.
Meet HOPE Graduates Making an Impact in the Government and Public Sectors
Ariana Aboulafia, J.D. '20
Policy Counsel, Disability Rights in Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology, Washington, DC
While in law school, the former HOPE Fellow "became involved in the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center, where I was able to hone many of the skills that I now use on a daily basis." She loves what she is doing professionally and says, "Technology brings with it both new opportunities and concerns for disabled people, and it's an honor to be able to use my legal education and experience to have an impact in the still-burgeoning field of tech policy. I came to Miami Law because of the school's reputation as one of the top twelve in the nation for public interest."
Elizabeth Fata Carpenter, J.D. '16
Executive Director, Everglades Law Center Inc., Miami, Florida
When the Miami Public Interest Scholar was asked to reflect on her experiences with HOPE on the eve of its 25th anniversary, she said, "HOPE is truly a one-of-a-kind institution that exposes students to the multi-faceted nature of public interest work, demonstrates the value that work has for our community, and provides students with the tools and insights that they need to meet their full potential. HOPE taught me, among other things, the value of coalition-building and helped empower me to become a public interest advocate. In my role at the Everglades Law Center, we advocate, negotiate, and, when necessary, litigate to protect and restore South Florida's ecosystems and communities. I…credit much of my career satisfaction to HOPE and its leadership."
Myles Crandall, J.D. '23
Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Florida, Miami, FL
The recent Miami Public Interest Scholar graduate shares: "Beginning law school in the fall of 2020 presented unique challenges and opportunities, but I am so grateful for the Miami Scholars Public Interest Program. The HOPE Public Interest Resource Center's incredible and dedicated team problem-solved to build a strong community. The Scholars program provided me with great friends and inspiring role models, as well as public interest programming that exposed me to a wide range of legal leaders who challenge injustice and center people's needs. I benefited from training, support, and funding. This included a summer stipend so that I could work with the Capital Habeas Unit at the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida, an opportunity that cemented my desire to become a public defender. I look forward to continued connection with this incredible group, including my goal of supporting future Miami Scholars."
Anjoly Ibrahim David, J.D. '21
Attorney, Honors Attorneys Program, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Arlington, VA
Ibrahim David credits the opportunity to be a Miami Public Interest Scholar, enabling her to "continue my work in government after graduating from law school." She shared that "a continuing pull toward public interest is what led me to law school, and having the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center is what made me choose Miami Law. HOPE was my family in law school, it was my support system, and has given me friends to last a lifetime."
In her current program, she has rotated for two years through various offices in the Legal Division, including the Enforcement, Government Contracts, Bank Activities, Complex Financial Institutions, and Litigation offices.
Nestor Perez, J.D. '19
Associate Attorney, Earthjustice, Miami, FL
The former Summer Public Interest Fellow and HOPE Fellow describes HOPE as "an oasis of support for public interest-oriented students at Miami Law. I remember visiting the Earthjustice Miami office for the first time while participating in a public interest agency visit with my class of Summer Public Interest Fellows. Walking into Earthjustice was the first time I could imagine that systemic litigation could one day be in the cards for me. Several years later, I accepted a position and now work out of that same office. Few law schools have leading public interest spaces that comprehensively develop lawyers for the public interest like HOPE does. Miami Law is all the better for it."
Maria Rodriguez, J.D. '19
Trial Attorney, New York County Defender Services, New York, NY
The prior HOPE Summer Public Interest Fellow reflects on HOPE and says, "HOPE makes public interest work possible. Without this office, public interest would not have been an option for me - but they did not let me give up! They make space to explore a meaningful career and hold your hand through what can be a grueling process. They create a family and help law students hone their skills, become competitive applicants, and provide amazing opportunities for work and growth."
More on HOPE and its 25th anniversary
