Every season at UCLI brings with it a new cohort of emerging leaders who leave a lasting impact on our mission. We are proud of every intern who has contributed to UCLI over the years, and this summer’s team – Helen Wang, Alofaifo Faleono, and Marlee Jeppsen – carried forward that legacy with fresh energy, creativity, and dedication.
From the first week, it was clear that their contributions would reverberate beyond the walls of our programs. Whether lending their voices to our initiatives, publishing thoughtful pieces that shared our work with broader audiences, assisting with outreach to new community partners, or strengthening the research foundations that anchor our programming, this summer’s interns became architects of momentum. They embedded their skills, perspectives, and compassion into the very core of our mission.
Their projects were diverse yet united by impact: supporting the UCLI Back-to-School Drive, which directly benefited families preparing for the new academic year; curating communications that elevated our collective voice; and helping develop K-12 and pre-law programming that will shape future cohorts of UCLI leaders. Their fingerprints are not only on the work we accomplished but also on the culture of collaboration and purpose we seek to foster.
We are especially grateful for the ways Helen, Alofaifo, and Marlee engaged in UCLI’s Legal and Career Readiness series, leading discussions with confidence, and participating fully in the Pre-Law Fellowship program’s seminars and experiences. Their work was nothing short of amazing, and watching their growth has been an absolute pleasure!
Read below to learn more about their personal experiences as Interns with us:
“Working with UCLI has been an incredible opportunity to be a hands-on part of the work to promote legal inclusion in Utah. As I wrote grants, publicized fundraisers, and promoted UCLI’s events and mission, I gained a deep appreciation for the legal trailblazers who paved the way to a more equitable legal system, and for all those engaged in the work today. I’m grateful to have been a part of UCLI, and look forward to watching them continue their work!” -Marlee Jeppsen
“From working with great people to being a part of initiatives that give back directly to our community, I’m very grateful to have the privilege of being a part of the team this summer. UCLI’s mission is important and UCLI does so much to help people be successful. I know for a fact that the skills, experiences, and great guidance I received as an intern will continue to help me as I continue on my law journey!” -Alofaifo Faleono
“The power of collaboration truly is shown through communities working to uplift individuals to reach their full potential. Through this internship, I had the honor of working on a wide range of initiatives that not only uplifted voices in the community, but also empowered those voices that have not been heard in the legal field. It has truly been an insightful experience to see what impact has been made through my internship, but also all the different life experiences and perspectives I am able to connect and engage with. I truly believe that difference is made through working and empowering communities and UCLI truly exemplifies these values to allow for sustainable long-term transformative change. I am grateful to have an opportunity to intern and hope to continue fostering change through my future career from what I have learned.” -Helen Wang
UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy and Administrative Coordinator Emily Zarate join interns Helen Wang and Alofaifo Faleono for a welcome photo at the UCLI Summer Intern Orientation on May 8, 2025.
UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy with interns Marlee Jeppsen, Helen Wang, and Alofaifo Faleono at the UCLI Recognition Event hosted by Lear & Lear LLP on August 15, 2025.
One of UCLI’s final internship events, the Recognition Event honoring Ambassadors and Interns, was held on August 15, 2025, at Lear & Lear LLP.
