Leah Mortimer is a Maeve McKean Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellow at the National Health Law Program. She recently graduated and received her J.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Washington where she enjoyed the interdisciplinary approach of pursuing both degrees together.

During her time at the University of Washington, Leah found particular meaning in her work with the Tools for Social Change: Race and Justice Clinic where she learned and worked in the field of juvenile justice. As part of this experience, Leah worked with the clinic to challenge the over-representation of youth of color in the criminal legal system by engaging in direct representation, education, and systemic advocacy. Leah also found special meaning in her legal internship with Northwest Health Law Advocates, where she was introduced to the health law advocacy community and gained experience researching and writing about federal changes in Medicaid access.

Leah received her B.A. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology from Whitman College where she first discovered her interest in public health through a community health focused study abroad program in South Africa. She is passionate about pursuing interdisciplinary solutions to public health problems, increasing healthcare accessibility, and fighting for social justice.

Outside of work, Leah loves to be outside and enjoys mountain biking, climbing, skiing, and learning about new edible plants.