ACLU of Hawaiʻi Welcomes Sarah Bernardo as Policy Fellow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 16, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Nanea Lo, Communications Manager

Phone: (808) 766-5425 Email: [email protected]

ACLU of Hawaiʻi Welcomes Sarah Bernardo as Policy Fellow

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU-HI”) is pleased to welcome Sarah Bernardo as its new Policy Fellow where she works to protect civil rights and civil liberties through policy development and legislative advocacy. Sarah is a lawyer with a deep commitment to social justice and human rights. Prior to joining the ACLU of Hawai‘i, she was a Research Scholar at the Institute for Law & AI where she provided legal research and policy advice on governing frontier artificial intelligence.

She has also conducted research for the European Court of Human Rights and the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights. Sarah began her career as a corporate attorney at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York, focusing on private equity mergers and acquisitions. Her work on immigration and nonprofit corporate governance matters earned her a Pro Bono Achiever award. Raised in Sugar Land, Texas, Sarah received her J.D. from Yale Law School and holds a B.A. in English and Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. In her free time, Sarah loves to watch movies, explore museums, and try new recipes.

“It is more important than ever to protect and advance the civil rights and civil liberties of all people,” said Sarah Bernardo. “The ACLU of Hawai‘i is at the forefront of this critical work, and I am excited to serve the communities of Hawai'i alongside such a fantastic, mission-driven team. During my fellowship, I am especially looking forward to developing my legislative drafting and advocacy skills.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Bernardo to our Policy team, and we are so lucky she chose ACLU-HI as her new work home,” said the Executive Director, Salmah Y. Rizvi of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi. “Her willingness to intentionally pivot from corporate law into a career of public service speaks volumes to her dedication. She will be an invaluable asset as we continue to unwrap the unique civil liberties challenges facing Hawaii's communities.”

Policy Director Mandy Fernandes added, “Especially as we navigate a landscape where law enforcement increasingly relies on AI and surveillance technology, and as we continue to fight for safeguards around that technology, Sarah’s experience analyzing tech and privacy regulations is an incredible asset.”

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i strives to build an equitable society. Our mission is to protect and promote the civil liberties and fundamental rights enshrined in the United States and Hawai‘i constitutions through litigation, legislation, and public education. We serve – and center the voices of – our impacted and vulnerable communities, regardless of background, status, or circumstance. As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we provide our services at no cost to the public, and we never accept government funds.