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New England Council Fellows Program

Info for 2026 Program Participants

About the NEC Fellows Program

The New England Council Fellows Program was launched in 2025 to commemorate the Council’s 100th anniversary. Under this program, the Council provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the region to support the hiring of a summer intern to support their charitable mission. In the first year of the program, the Council selected six organizations to host NEC Fellows during the summer of 2025. In 2026, the Council expanded the program, doubling the number of fellows. Each organization receives $5,000 to support the hiring of a fellow during the summer months. 

About Host Organizations

 

We are pleased to introduce the second class of New England Council Fellows!  These 12 impressive young adults are working this summer at nonprofit organizations throughout the region, gaining valuable work experience while helping to support these organizations’ charitable missions.   

 

Questions?

Contact Emily Heisig or Mariah Healy

Meet the 2026 Fellows

Annika Stimac

Connecticut Foodshare

Hometown: Ellington, CT

Education: Colgate University

“I am looking forward to exploring the intersection of non-profits and government while contributing to Connecticut Foodshare’s vital work of equitably addressing food insecurity throughout the state.”

Jamella Weir

The iQuilt Partnership

Hometown: Hartford, CT

Education: Northeastern University

“I look forward to learning the nuances of municipal work and connecting with like-minded individuals who can share their experience and knowledge.”

Biser Igov

Avesta Housing

Hometown: South Portland, ME

Education: National University

“As a PhD researcher focused on AI integration, with a Master’s background in cybersecurity and an undergraduate specialization in business management, I am excited to explore how Avesta Housing’s information management systems can be enhanced through AI and user-friendly prompt engineering. I look forward to identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, improve staff engagement, increase productivity, reduce risk, minimize manual tasks, eliminate repetitive errors, and strengthen cybersecurity awareness through the effective use of AI.”

 

Grace Boucher 

Dempsey Center for Quality Cancer Care 

Hometown: Scarborough, ME

Education: University of Delaware

“I am most excited to help create spaces where nutrition, wellness, and community come together to support healing and improve quality of life.”

Oza Nunnally

Freedom House

Hometown: Springfield, MA

Education: UMass Boston

“I’m looking forward to making new connections and being a part of a new community.”

India Glenn 

Haley House 

Hometown: Boston, MA

Education: Graduate of Kenyon College

“Haley House has always been a gathering place for people to eat, grow, and learn with company. I am looking forward to organizing spaces that encourage people to build community through food, while also furthering Haley House’s mission to bring food justice to all of Boston’s neighborhoods.”

Nicea Armstrong

Disability Rights Center - NH 

Hometown: Hopkinton, NH 

Education: Middlebury College

“At the Disability Rights Center, I look forward to the opportunity to support community members with disabilities in a meaningful way. I am keen to be part of an organization that promotes equity, independence, respect, choice, and dignity for clients.” 

Natalie Gaschits

Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County

Hometown:  Amherst, NH

Education: Nashua Community College

“I am looking forward to applying the skills I learned in college to contribute to a meaningful cause in my local community! My expertise and passion will help enhance the logistical process of delivering meals to people in need.”

Edwin Samoya

PCF Development 

Hometown: Warwick, RI

Education: University of Rhode Island

“I’m most looking forward to gaining hands on experience in community engagement and marketing while creating bilingual materials and designs that can make a real impact in the community. I’m also excited to develop my professional skills, learn from mentors, and contribute to meaningful housing and outreach initiatives through PCF Development.”

Malena Lombardo

US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Hometown: Chelmsford, MA

Education: University of Vermont

“I am excited to join the USCRI team this summer and gain firsthand insight into the direct impact this organization makes on refugee and immigrant resettlement. Between field and administrative work, I look forward to learning about the behind-the-scene operations of nonprofit organizations and the role USCRI has in supporting the Vermont community.”

Donald Jackson 

Southern Vermont Arts Center 

Hometown: Bennington, VT 

Education: Hudson Valley Community College

“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s longstanding legacy as one of Vermont’s premier destinations for the arts.”

Fellowship Advisory Committee

The New England Council Fellows program was developed by a Fellowship Advisory Committee comprised of 13 volunteers from the Council’s Board of Directors. The Fellowship Advisory Committee developed parameters and guidelines for the program, and selected the 12 organizations to host the fellows. The committee includes the following members:

Committee Chair

Kenneth Quigley – Former President, Curry College

Advisory Committee

  • Michael Curry – President & CEO, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
  • Joseph Dalton – Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Engie North America
  • Timothy DelGuidice – Director, Global Government Relations, RTX
  • Darryl Fess – President & CEO, Brookline Bank
  • Becca Gould – Senior Vice President – Public Affairs, American Tower Corporation
  • Dennis J. Kearney, Esq. – Partner, Kearney Donovan & McGee LLC
  • Maura O’Brien – Government Affairs Manager, Ahold USA
  • Jamie Oppedsiano – Executive Director, Government Banking, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Graham Shalgian – Senior Vice President, Rasky Partners
  • Ambassador (Ret.) Robert Sherman – Senior Counsel, Greenberg Traurig
  • Greg Smith – Managing Director, McLane Middleton 
  • John Stadtler – Partner, US Financial Services Industry Group, PwC

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