Kiera Flannery, a second-year law student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, presented her nonprofit project, Golden Age Wellness, at the university’s High-Impact Educational Practices fair, also known as the HIP fair, on Feb. 19. The event highlights student achievements in experiential learning, including service projects, internships, and research collaborations.
The fair, held in the University Center atrium on Widener’s campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, is widely attended by students, faculty, staff and university leaders, including the president, provost and trustees. Student presenters stand with their posters and talk with attendees, who filter through the fair hearing about the projects and asking questions.
Flannery’s project, Learning Through Doing: Creating a Nonprofit Organization, challenged students to develop a hypothetical nonprofit from the ground up. Inspired by her passion for physical fitness and her mother’s dedication to serving the elderly community through the Area Agency on Aging, Flannery created Golden Age Wellness, a physical fitness and community-building program designed to promote independence and well-being among senior citizens in Dauphin County.
“The nonprofit creation process was both creative and analytical,” Flannery said. “Once I developed my idea, I had to work through the logistics of bringing a nonprofit to life—where it would be hosted, the associated costs, fundraising, and governance. Key steps included drafting the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and IRS forms for tax-exempt status.”
The project, part of a two-day intensive course, was guided by Professor Christian Johnson, who provided foundational knowledge on nonprofit law and brought in guest speakers from the sector. Flannery credits the experience with deepening her understanding of business advising and the role attorneys play in nonprofit operations.
“Even lawyers who don’t work directly in the nonprofit sector will likely be asked to serve in some capacity with a nonprofit organization,” Flannery noted. “This project gave me practical knowledge that will allow me to contribute to my community after graduation.”
Presenting her work at the HIP fair offered Flannery the opportunity to share her vision with a broader audience. She found the experience particularly rewarding as attendees resonated with her project’s mission. “It was meaningful to hear from individuals who said they would love a program like this for their parents or grandparents. We all know and love someone in their golden years—that’s what encouraged me to pursue this project.”
Flannery encourages other students to engage in hands-on learning experiences like this one.
“Experiential courses provide a unique opportunity to see the tangible impacts lawyers can have on their communities. I’d recommend them to any student looking to expand their understanding of the law in action,” she said.
Looking ahead, Flannery plans to pursue a career in transactional law but hopes to remain connected to the nonprofit sector. “I’d love to assist a nonprofit organization behind the scenes, whether through drafting contracts for grants or advising on business-related matters,” she said. “I hope to give back to my community in any way I can.”
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