Molly Peach Matter is a Civil Rights and Voting Rights lawyer who balances her deep commitment to justice with creative work—including teaching Zumba. In our conversation, we talk about resilience and how creativity helps her stay grounded and joyful while doing the intense work of supporting her clients.

Molly has been organizing and advocating for civil rights since she was 15. She now runs a community lawyering practice called Amend Law, where she litigates voting rights cases and works in partnership with marginalized communities. She is also the former Chair of the Civil Rights Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association.

This winter, Molly helped the Vashon Island School District develop a policy to guide their response if ICE agents show up on school property—a clear example of her commitment to community safety and empowerment.

Molly’s lived experience of being institutionalized and losing her right to vote gave her a powerful reason to become a lawyer: to stand up for others who are often silenced or excluded. Her story is a testament to how personal history can fuel a life of purpose, resilience, and creative expression.