Perreault headshot

Emerson Fellow

Will Perreault

14th Class, 2007-2008

Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Will graduated from Davidson College with a degree he designed in rural poverty studies.  At Davidson, Will directed an a cappella group, led students in the National Coalition for the Homeless’ Urban Plunge, participated in a "reverse mission trip" to Nicaragua and renovated homes with the Appalachia Service Project.  After graduation, Will assisted in Louisiana's recovery process as Field Coordinator for Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans, and worked in rural Uganda for Promic to strengthen female entrepreneurs’ access to micro-loans.

Field placement: Drake Agricultural Law Center

Des Moines, Iowa

In collaboration with Iowa's Department of Education, Will researched the Summer Food Service Program, promoted best practices, helped reduce the gap between eligible and enrolled children, and helped increase the use of local Iowa produce in the program.

Policy placement: Prosperity Now

Washington, D.C.

Will researched and analyzed federal asset-building policies to promote savings options for low-income people.  By building alliances with local and national economic development practitioners, private businesses, and non-traditional constituencies, Will facilitated the broader adoption of automatic employee enrollment into savings and investment features.

Publications