Our final Volunteer of the Month for 2017 is the extraordinary Lauren Sommer! We are extremely grateful to have Lauren as a pro bono volunteer because she always goes the extra mile when helping clients with her passion, determination, and positive attitude. Check out our interview with Lauren below:
Why did you choose to volunteer with ALSC?
It chose me! When I moved to Alaska in 2012, the Bar Association’s Pro Bono Director, Krista Scully, invited me to be a member of the annual MLK Day Legal Clinic planning committee (which partners with ALSC), and I was hooked. Since then, I have had a variety of opportunities to volunteer with ALSC and I always jump at the chance.
What are some of your experiences at ALSC that have made a positive difference in the lives of others and/or the community?
I’ve had so many positive experiences volunteering at ALSC, it’s hard to pinpoint one. Overall, when a client walks away feeling empowered because they now know their legal rights, it positively impacts that individual’s life, as well as the entire community. Knowledge and access to legal services is essential for achieving both social and legal justice.
How do you think your experiences with ALSC will benefit you in the future?
I hope that by giving back to my community, we can all grow stronger and more resilient.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and your life outside of volunteering?
I have a fraternal twin sister in Indiana who teaches blind and low vision children. My husband is the reason I came to Alaska, and I am so glad I did! We were married in his village in southwest Alaska, Chignik Lake. It was an unforgettable experience. I am a runner and in my previous life played 4 years of Division I soccer. I have a 16-year-old tabby cat named Sunshine.