Meet Our 2016 Summer Interns

BPI is pleased to welcome a diverse group of student interns, whose many talents are being put to good use this summer through work on a variety of projects in the areas of housing, education, criminal justice, and political reform.  Interns work individually and in collaboration across program areas, assisting BPI policy and legal staff to advance program priorities.  They are exceptionally bright, enthusiastic and committed, and we appreciate their contributions!

Linnet Davis-Stermitz

Hometown: Claremont, CA

Education:  University of Chicago Law School, class of 2018; B.A. Political Science, Swarthmore College, 2012

Why BPI:  I enrolled in law school because of a passion for housing and civil rights issues. I wanted to spend this summer learning about effective strategies for combating segregation and urban poverty from creative, thoughtful, and inspiring people who have been on the front lines of Chicago’s housing challenges for decades. I was particularly excited that BPI doesn’t treat housing in isolation, but works closely with overlapping social justice problems.

Areas of interest:  Housing and community development

Career aspirations:  I hope to be a civil rights attorney working within an effective public interest or governmental organization to advance equitable opportunities for low-income communities of color in housing and intersecting areas.

Book on her nightstand: Evicted by Matthew Desmond

What excites her about summer in Chicago? Exploring new neighborhoods and learning more about the city

Fun Fact:  I’ve used bike share programs in six different cities (and counting!)

Hobbies: Hiking, 20th century American art, and Washington Nationals baseball

Name/Hometown:  Michelle Gan, Queens, New York

Education:  University of Chicago, class of 2018; will graduate with a B.A. in Public Policy

Why BPI? I really love the city of Chicago, and I’m really interested in learning more about housing and community development, especially as it pertains to policies aimed at desegregating cities and communities. BPI does amazing work on affordable housing, and I’m excited to work with such passionate people.

Areas of interest:  Education, Urban Development, Civil Rights

Career aspirations:  To make a positive impact within local communities and address the inequalities that manifest in education, housing, and economic opportunity on various axes such as class, gender, and race.

Book on her nightstand: America Is in the Heart by Carlos Bulusan

What excites her about summer in Chicago? Busy streets filled with life and joy, and a chance to keep exploring Chicago neighborhoods.

Fun fact: I have one twin brother who is 11 minutes younger than me.

Hobbies: Exploring cities, contact sports, and reading

Eric J. Maier

Hometown: Okemos, MI

Education:  University of Chicago Law School, class of 2018; BFA Musical Theatre, University of Michigan, 2011

Why BPI:  BPI is committed to making change at the community level, and I think that’s the way real change is made.

Areas of interest:  Criminal Justice Reform and Juvenile Justice Reform

Career aspirations:  I hope to work for a government agency in which I can help develop a more fair and effective criminal justice system, or in which I can help protect consumers from predatory practices.

Book on his nightstand: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

What excites him about summer in Chicago? All of the free concerts around the city!

Fun Fact:  I was once a contestant on the Price is Right.

Siobhan O’Muircheartaigh

Hometown: Chicago  (but born in London, England)

Education:  University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2017; will graduate with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in Spanish

Why BPI:  The work, the people, and the passion! I was drawn to BPI’s combination of research-backed legal and policy work and strong, direct relationships with Chicago communities – plus everyone’s infectious energy to get things done!

Areas of interest:  Under the broad umbrella of inequality, I’m particularly interested in the social policy issues of education, criminal justice, and community development. Within each of those, I’ve found myself particularly drawn to aspects that take individuals and communities into consideration – ideas like strengthening early childhood education to stimulate kids most when their brains are most flexible, and facilitating prisoners’ holistic re-entry into society.

Career aspirations:  I’d like to address issues of inequality by infusing psychology into social policy – both in terms of how psychology affects people’s behavior in society; and how policies, laws, and institutions affect the psychology of the people involved with them every day. I’m still exploring the various arenas in which to explore this intersection, be they legal, governmental, or nonprofit.

Book on her nightstand: The Empathy Exams by Leslie Jamison, and a book of poetry by Billy Collins.

What excites her about summer in Chicago? Living rent-free with my family! Just kidding – I’ve been having a great time being a tourist in my own city, mostly through scoping out good food and finding free activities throughout the city.

Fun Fact:  I’m a citizen of three countries—Ireland, England, and the U.S.

Hobbies: Photography; running, swimming, and exploring museums.

Lauren Piette

Hometown: Iowa City, IA

Education:  University of Chicago Law School, class of 2018; B.A. International Studies, University of Iowa, 2011

Why BPI:  I was excited to find an organization that is tackling many of Chicago’s most pressing problems, rather than focusing on a single issue. For me, the BPI internship provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn what it takes to be an effective public interest advocate in a major metropolitan community.

Areas of interest:  Environmental protection and education reform, with a growing interest in criminal justice reform.

Career aspirations:  I’m still sorting out the details, but I hope to pursue a career in environmental law.

Book on her nightstand: Beloved by Toni Morrison

What excites her about summer in Chicago? The festivals and the food!

Fun Fact:  I took a cross-country road trip to seven national parks last summer.

Hobbies:  Birdwatching and hiking

Maya Ragsdale

Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Education: Northwestern Law School, class of 2018; B.A. International Studies, University of Michigan, 2013

Why BPI?  BPI has a multi-faceted approach to its public interest work, and I liked the idea of being exposed to a mixture of legal, policy, and programmatic work during my first summer.

Areas of interest: Public transportation, housing/community development, campaign finance, international trade relations, international investment, and international financial institutions

Career aspirations: I’d like to work in the public sector doing policy or impact work.

Book on her nightstand:  The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

What excites her about summer in Chicago? Sunshine and warmth!

Hobbies: Exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods and eating sushi!

Kayla Vinson

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Education:  Jointly enrolled in NYU School of Law and the Master’s of Public Affairs program at Princeton University, class of 2019; B.A. Sociology and African American Studies, Yale University, 2011

Why BPI:  I want to work at the intersection of law, public policy, and social change. BPI stands out as an organization doing that work across multiple public issues.

Areas of interest:  Education and Community Development

Career aspirations:  To help transform how our structures and institutions, particularly schools, support children and young adults.

Book on her nightstand: The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs

What excites her about summer in Chicago?  My 18-month old nephew who lives nearby. Outdoor activities in the sun.

Fun Fact:  When I was a kid, I got picked out of the audience at Universal Studios to be “slimed”. I was much more excited about this than my mom was.

Hobbies:  FaceTime with my nephew, exercising, cooking, and outdoor activities