Kathleen is currently a Juris Doctorate candidate at American University Washington College of Law. She focuses on access to justice in the sector of environmental and sustainable development law. Kathleen is implementing her research into practical and effective means by creating an environmental advocacy program for rural and slum communities in India. The program will include a best practices guide to notify these communities of their basic rights to living in a safe and healthy environment. Kathleen is learning Urdu this semester with GLN in order to directly connect with these at risk communities, to support the efforts of NGOs in Washington DC, and to connect with outreach organizations within India. Kathleen recognizes the importance of language skills for her project to succeed; having a basic understanding of the language will be a tremendous aid in integrating into the local community, understanding the local level issues, creating a more accessible program, and building trust.