Alisa Wellek

As Executive Director of the Immigrant Defense Project, Alisa guides IDPs work securing justice for immigrants in both the criminal and immigration systems. She oversees strategies that attack these two interconnected systems at multiple points: impact litigation and advocacy to challenge unfair laws and policies; media and communications to counter the pervasive demonization of immigrants; and expert legal advice, training, and resources to immigrants, legal defenders, and grassroots organizations, to support those on the frontlines of the struggle for justice.Alisa previously served as Deputy Director and later Co-Director of IDP. Prior to coming to IDP, as an Equal Justice Works fellow, she built her skills in organizing, policy advocacy, and nonprofit management,as the National Campaign and Advocacy Manager at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in New York City. Alisa received her B.A. from Stanford University and her JD from New York University School of Law. She got her advocacy and organizing start growing up in Chicago.