Aila Yurochko, born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, has joined CCl this summer as our Mid-Atlantic Fellow (covering Maryland, Delaware, DC, New Jersey and Virginia). One of her main responsibilities for supporting higher education is her relationship with Campus Leaders (students who have volunteered to start a CCL Chapter or Climate Campaign at their school). She works closely with students in her region, as well as the Third Coast Region which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Seeing her home state so devastated by the worsening natural disasters caused by climate change and the many people close to her being so deeply impacted by the climate crisis, Aila felt a call to be a part of the movement for climate justice. It is only natural that Aila now finds herself a rising senior majoring in Environmental Policy and Planning at Virginia Tech, with a great interest in Environmental Justice and Law.

Rising Senior at Virginia Tech Aila Yurochko

Aila is hoping to complete her fellowship with an expansive set of climate advocacy skills, and come away from this opportunity feeling more confident in herself and society as a whole. She believes strongly in the camaraderie of working together to make a difference.

Aside from working with CCL as a fellow and as a member of the New River Valley CCL Chapter, Aila is also involved in the Big Event, which is a community outreach organization, the Environmental Coalition, and Students for Sustainable Practices.

Aila is a thoughtful and creative young woman who enjoys reading (her favorite series being Throne of Glass), painting, making jewelry, playing soccer, cooking, and thrifting. She is also a big fan of Lana del Rey and Tayalor Swift. Aila has a dog named Gus and two cats named Jack Jack and Jilly B.

We’re delighted to have Aila working with CCL this summer! Follow her on Instagram @ailayurochko