AUGUSTA — The Maine Women’s Policy Center welcomed Nicole R. Bissonnette as the 2011 Linda Smith Dyer Law Fellow. Nicole is entering her second year at the University of Maine School of Law. In addition to her work towards a law degree, she serves as the co-chairwoman of the Women’s Law Association, secretary of the Maine Association for Public Interest Law, and student representative to the school’s Curriculum Committee. Nicole hopes to pursue a career in public interest law, with particular focus on issues facing women and children.

Nicole graduated from Boston University magna cum laude with degrees in political science and journalism. She served three years with Teach for America in South Texas, where she taught high school journalism in one of the country’s poorest areas. A native of Lewiston, Nicole returned to Maine to be closer to family and has been living in Portland for the past six years.