AUGUSTA — The Maine Women’s Policy Center announced the appointment of Elyse Wilkinson to the Linda Smith Dyer Fellowship, a 10-week summer public interest law position.

As the Linda Smith Dyer Fellow, Wilkinson will be responsible for research and strategic development of the Maine Women’s Policy Center public policy initiatives on such issues as equal pay, family caregiver discrimination, and paid family and medical leave insurance.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington, Wilkinson's work experience includes substitute teaching at Thornton Academy and working with students in the Upward Bound program. She grew up in Saco and now lives in Portland..

Sarah Standiford, Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Policy Center the Linda Smith Dyer Fellowship hiring committee was immediately impressed with Elyse’s quality of work experience as well as her social justice perspective.

“Elyse brings with her experience working with abused women, supporting low-income students to succeed in higher education, and mentoring young people," Standiford said. "We’re delighted to welcome her to a position of this caliber.”

The Linda Smith Dyer Fellowship was founded in 2002 by the Maine Women’s Policy Center, the Maine Women’s Lobby, the University of Maine School of Law, and Linda’s family to honor Linda’s devotion to the public interest and to honor her skill in public policy. The Linda Smith Dyer Fellowship provides for a 10–week summer public interest fellowship for a student at the University of Maine School of Law.

— Mechele Cooper