Plynton headshot

Emerson Fellow

Isha Plynton

14th Class, 2007-2008

Isha graduated from Tufts University in 2007 with a degree in American studies, a concentration in law and politics, and high honors for her thesis.  At Tufts, Isha started a college mentoring program for economically underprivileged students and served as a leader in the largest student run community service organization.  Isha has interned in Senator Edward Kennedy’s Education Policy Office in Washington, D.C., studied abroad in Ghana, and volunteered at the University of Ghana Hospital.

Field placement: Drake Agricultural Law Center

Des Moines, Iowa

Isha developed a nutrition screening tool for legal clinics to use in identifying and addressing the food security and nutritional needs of children in the child welfare system.  She trained law students at Drake’s Middleton Center for Children’s Rights and promoted the tool’s use by making educational presentations to judges, attorneys, and child advocates statewide.

Policy placement: National Homelessness Law Center

Washington, D.C.

Isha worked to improve access to public benefits for victims of domestic violence by researching and writing a report on state implementation of the Family Violence Option.  Isha also researched the barriers to homeless shelter participation in the Child Care and Adult Food Program.

Publications