Tabling in Moscow, Idaho

Name: Leila Brown
Class Year: 2027
Major: Political Science
Minor: Data Science 

Internship Organization: Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF)
Internship Title: Data and Organizing Intern
Location: Pullman, WA 

What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

I’m working in three different areas- getting trained on case management for NWAAF’s funding hotline, performing outreach to Idaho residents, and analyzing volunteer data. So far, I’ve completed a weeklong shadow shift on the hotline, tabled at a local fair in Northern Idaho, and worked on data projects including a organizational survey and a map of contacts throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I grew up on the Washington-Idaho border, so I’ve seen the importance of abortion access firsthand. After the 2024 election, I wanted to engage in direct action and discovered that abortion funds play an important role in breaking down barriers to reproductive healthcare. I first started working with NWAAF through a Praxis self-designed independent study in Spring 2025, where I combined my internship with academic work on the history of 21st century reproductive healthcare activism. I wanted to continue working with NWAAF this summer so I could contribute to local outreach in Idaho and make progress on the case management training process. 

What has been your favorite part of this internship? 

I especially enjoyed representing NWAAF at the Health and Wellness for All Fair in Moscow, Idaho. Many people came up to my booth and shared personal reasons that they were grateful for NWAAF’s work, especially as Idaho residents living under restrictive abortion laws. At the fair, I was able to connect with other local organizers and spread awareness about the resources that NWAAF provides. I was also interviewed on the local radio! 

What is most rewarding about your internship? 

I find it incredibly rewarding to know that my work is having a direct impact on the lives of people across the Pacific Northwest. NWAAF’s purpose of making abortion more accessible, regardless of statewide legislation or healthcare coverage, is incredibly important right now. Contributing to this work helps me feel hopeful and engaged in a difficult time for abortion rights in America.