As the ACLU of Connecticut’s new legislative counsel, Kaley Lentini will be developing and advocating for the ACLU-CT’s policy and legislative agenda at the legislature. Kaley joined the ACLU-CT in December after three years of working inside of the Connecticut General Assembly. Before then, Kaley was the first ever research assistant at Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies, and she served as a Holley Law Fellow with the National LGBTQ Task Force in Washington, D.C. Kaley recently sat down with Meghan Smith, the ACLU-CT’s communications director, to talk about what drives her and inspires her in her work.
ACLU-CT: What is your favorite item in your office?
Kaley Lentini: I’d have to say my signed photo of [U.S. Supreme Court Justice] Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It was a gift for my graduation from law school from the director of the Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies at Western New England University. The photo brings me inspiration, because Justice Ginsburg is such an incredible woman who speaks out for what she believes in. She isn’t afraid to be in the minority in an opinion. She’s strong and principled, and she inspires me.
ACLU-CT: Why are you looking forward to working with the ACLU of Connecticut?
Kaley Lentini: Working for the ACLU is a dream job for a progressive attorney. The ACLU works on so many important issues, and I’m really excited to be part of the ACLU of Connecticut team to protect the civil liberties of all people in Connecticut.
ACLU-CT: What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
Kaley Lentini: I was a gymnast! I’m also a crafter and a knitter, and I do wood burning.
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