Meet Lily Maenza: A Dedicated Climate Advocate
Lily Maenza, a Junior at the University of Vermont, is a Northeast Regional Climate Advocacy Fellow with Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). Majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, with minors in Geospatial Technologies and Green Building & Community Design, Lily brings a unique combination of academic expertise and personal passion to her work in climate advocacy.
Brooklyn Beginnings: Growing Up by the Waterfront
Growing up near the waterfront in Brooklyn, NYC, Lily witnessed firsthand the impacts of environmental injustice and climate disasters. From flooding events to inequities in infrastructure, these experiences shaped her understanding of climate resilience and her desire to advocate for change. Brooklyn’s challenges became her motivation to address climate issues through meaningful, community-focused solutions.
From Inspiration to Action: Starting the Conversation
Lily’s passion for climate advocacy began to flourish in high school when she founded an environmental club to raise awareness about local climate issues. Through discussions with frontline activists and initiatives aimed at inspiring peers, she took her first steps toward becoming a leader in environmental justice. This experience laid the foundation for her future work in policy and advocacy.
Advocating for Change: Lily’s Role with CCL
As CCL’s Northeast Regional Climate Advocacy Fellow, Lily works alongside the Student Engagement Manager and New York State Regional Coordinators to mentor 12 campus leaders and expand higher education outreach. Her work includes:
Supporting the development of Northeast college campus and New York State CCL chapters.
Organizing the "Climate Chats 2024" Long Island congressional candidate forum.
Planning the annual Northeast Regional Spring Conference.
Building Bridges: The Power of Mentorship
A key part of Lily’s role is mentoring campus leaders, helping them grow their chapters and engage in impactful climate advocacy. She takes pride in guiding students to organize events, collaborate on policy discussions, and inspire their peers to take action.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future
Through her fellowship, Lily aims to deepen her understanding of lobbying and advocacy while driving tangible progress in chapter development across the Northeast. Her major goals include connecting with like-minded individuals, building a strong foundation for campus chapters, and hosting events that create momentum for equitable climate solutions.
A Glimpse Beyond Advocacy
Outside of her work with CCL, Lily enjoys watching Pitch Perfect, diving into her academic interests, and exploring sustainability in design. Her dedication to creating a resilient future extends to all aspects of her life, making her a true advocate for change.
Lily Maenza combines passion, education, and action to drive progress in climate advocacy. Her journey with CCL is a testament to the difference one person can make in creating a more sustainable and just future.