Fellow Spotlight: Aila Yurochko

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

Fellow Spotlight: Giovanna Santo

Giovanna Santo is one of CCL’s Climate Advocacy Fellows this summer for the Mountain West and Southeast region. Her tasks include supporting Campus Leaders in their own climate advocacy pursuits and aiding in activities and projects being worked on by the Regional Coordinators.

Florida International University Student Giovanna Santo

As an undergraduate student at Florida International University studying Political Science, Giovanna is deeply involved with YOUNGO and The Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement

At the age of 12 Giovanna remembers watching the documentary "Our Planet," where she learned how unmitigated climate change would lead to ecological decimation. The more she learned, the more she found out that climate change would leave catastrophic tolls on humanity. Giovanna feels strongly that climate change is the most urgent issue society is facing, prompting her to devote her time to advocating for climate solutions. 

Giovanna is hoping that her increased responsibilities at CCL will allow her to have an increased impact on the climate movement. She is also eager to work on her personal project this summer and hopefully make the carbon fee and dividend a more popular climate solution. 

Giovanna is a Brazilian from Miami that loves reading, being outdoors, painting, volunteering, and spending time with friends. She is also a big Indie music lover and cat mom of two. 

All of us at CCL are delighted to have Giovanna working with us this summer.

Follow Giovanna on instagram @giovanna.i.santo

Intern Spotlight: Shelby Negosian

Shelby Negosian, born on Earth Day, has always had a natural connection with the environment. She has always found herself channeling this innate connection as a driving force to fight against climate change. 

Shelby’s Cavapoo Lilo!

Shelby grew up in LA, but now lives in St Louis where she is a rising junior at Washington University majoring in Environmental Analysis and minoring in Legal Studies and Geospatial Science

This summer Shelby is a Chapter Development intern with CCL. Her work revolves around understanding the different chapters and how she can best support their advancement. She is also working on a passion project to teach her community about CCL, centering around the Ag and Forestry action team to get WashU students involved with urban forestry efforts. 

Shelby is also aiming to complete the Climate Advocacy Certification Program this summer and learn more about how she can contribute to climate advocacy efforts. 

Shelby is a young woman of many hobbies who loves to sew, read, and journal. In addition to playing recreational softball she enjoys designing her own clothes and dressing up. In fact Shelby started a non-profit called Sharing With a Purpose (SWAP). SWAP is a free second-hand store on Washington University in St. Louis’ campus with clothes, appliances, and more, supplied by community donations. 

Shelby is also a big fan of the Fantastic Mr. Fox, Queen’s Gambit, and Pride and Prejudice. We are pleased to have someone like Shelby on the CCL team this summer using her innovation and passion for the climate for good.

Follow Shelby on Instagram @shelbynegosian

Student Activist Amiah Jared Shares her Story

Climate change doesn’t discriminate by age. My grandma has watched her beautiful home near the Washington coast creep closer and closer to the Pacific Ocean each year, and my younger siblings don’t know a summer without stretches of triple-digit ‘record-shattering’ heatwaves. My parents work hard to keep up with increasing bills and my cousin faces water shortages in California, evacuating every summer to escape the wildfires that decimate millions of acres across the nation. A new term, climate anxiety, refers to the distress and symptoms of depression that follow each natural disaster and blockade of a bill in Congress that might keep CO2 emissions out of our atmosphere.

To most of us, the future is hopeless.

To members of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby community, hope is endless.

In June, I traveled 4,270 miles with members of my community via ferry, train, and public transportation to speak with our Alaskan Representative and Senators about three bipartisan bills introduced to Congress this term– the PROVE IT Act, Increase TSP Act, and Seedlings for Sustainable Habitat Restoration Act– to express our concerns about climate change and understand how to collaborate across political parties, industries, and the nation to work on slowing the effects of climate change. It was my first time on the East Coast, my first trip without my family that wasn’t a science expedition or camping trip with friends and colleagues. This conference in June was not my first time speaking with state legislators (that was when I was eleven, speaking with Governor Kate Brown about Oregon’s endangered gray wolves) but it was my most impactful encounter with activism at the federal level to date.

CCL’s Student Summit and lobby day prepared over 1,000 volunteers from 4 nations to meet with legislative teams in over 442 meetings. Besides the opportunity to meet and mingle with countless climate activists with unique backgrounds, all of us were able to attend educational sessions where we learned more about different types of activism, inclusion of all people in climate policies, strategies to get your voice heard by Congress, the policies we were supporting, issues in neighboring states, impacts on the economy, and more. I met retirees who grew up in the Jim Crow era, professors with years of background in ecosystem sciences, Republicans who want to preserve Michigan winters for their grandchildren, mothers from immigrant families working on growing food for their community in their spare time, ex-commercial fishermen concerned about our empty salmon runs, and students skipping exams to shake hands with their Senators and show support for these bipartisan bills. Everywhere you looked, individuals came together to share their story and open up to be better stewards of the environment.

I’m a firm believer that sustainability must be accessible to all in order to be achievable; I’ve been in environmental groups that think I’m too harsh when I express support for tax on carbon emissions, and I’ve been shamed for pointing out that electric cars and plastic-free homes aren’t a realistic option for everyone. CCL was BY FAR the most open and diverse climate advocacy organization I’ve ever met with, and with the scholarship I was awarded from the organization, making it from Anchorage to Washington DC was easily achievable. This has been the most straightforward way to see change, and in my mind the most impactful work I’ve done in the climate community ever. In fact, just a few weeks after meeting with Representatives and Senators, the PROVE IT Act– which will allow the Department of Energy to, for the first time ever, study the emissions produced by American industries and compare them to those produced in other nations– was successfully introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives! This bill is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute, the Environmental Defense Fund, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and so many more organizations. It would provide the public with honest data and draw back the curtains to show the world our rigorous standards for production of plastic, aluminum, crude oil, paper, biofuels, natural gas, and more are working to limit our emissions and environmental impact. I was thrilled to learn that Senator Lisa Murkowski is a cosponsor of this bill; her legislative team is one of four I had the honor of meeting with, and her leadership in bipartisan climate policies has earned her the respect and support of many Alaskan constituents.

My idol, Rachel Carson, said, “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe around us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” With each incredible member of CCL I meet, my climate anxiety fades away and I feel empowered to collaborate with those around me to make a true difference in my community. Thank you to everyone that has had their hands in climate work; you have a voice and your story deserves to be heard. CCL gave me the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to speak up for my friends, family, and loved ones. We’re all impacted by climate change, Alaskans possibly understand that more than anyone else. CCL peels away the highly divisive side of climate activism to create accessible, affordable, achievable change for all constituents. They make it easy to participate in your community, simple to learn more, and inevitably they open you up to an organization of support and hope– they’re a shining beacon in a world so often drought with disappointment and climate anxiety, they’re tireless in their efforts to make a difference, and it’s working.

If you’d like to learn more about how to get involved with CCL, hear more about my experience in the capitol, or find your place in the climate-minded community in Anchorage, please reach out to me at acjared@alaska.edu

Intern Spotlight: Chelsea Moody

Chelsea Moody is a Rising Senior at Bowdoin College Majoring in Government and Earth and Oceanographic Science. She was first drawn to climate advocacy by a growing sense of urgency to protect the future for both herself and those she loves. Chelsea is an outdoor enthusiast who recognizes that the tools exist to address the climate crisis, but advocacy is how we can ensure those tools get used. 

Chelsea is interning with CCL this Summer in hopes of learning how to channel her curiosity for climate science, the outdoors, and policy issues into doing work that's important and fulfilling. Right now she is working with Mountain West Regional Director Bill Barron, helping with logistical support on his Northern Traverse 2024 Climate Ride. 

Chelsea is from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, but now resides in Washington, D.C. where you will most likely find her reading, playing frisbee, or hanging out with her 14 year old German Shorthaired Pointer named Gunnar! We are pleased to have her curious mind on the CCL team this summer.

Follow Chelsea on Instagram @chelkmoody

Intern Spotlight: Sophia Garcia

Sophia Garcia, a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley, majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy, has joined the CCL Chapter Development team this summer. She has worked on scheduling meetings with Congress for CCL's lobby day, and is currently helping run the weekly CCL informational sessions.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Sophia has found solace in the outdoors for a long time, most specifically at the height of the pandemic. She has long since felt a call to protect the Earth and its natural resources by any means possible. Sophia feels immense comfort from connecting with nature and has only  grown more passionate about the planet as she learns more about the climate crisis. 

UC Berkeley Sophomore Sophia Garcia

This summer Sophia will be working on a CCL "passion" project where she will be creating a short segment for Citizens Climate Radio about her work at Berkeley on the Zero Waste team. The team works with restaurants and cafes around the school campus to help enforce the Single Use Plastic Elimination Policy by implementing reusable containers in their services. 

Through CCL, Sophia hopes to learn more about climate policy and how to enforce changes through local government. In her free time Sophia enjoys cooking, baking, playing guitar, singing, bike riding, and arts and crafts. She’s also a huge Cage the Elephant fan, and is very much looking forward to finally seeing them in concert this summer! 

We are thrilled to have someone so thoughtful and passionate with their work like Sophia amongst CCL’s interns this summer!

Intern Spotlight: Amber Powell

Amber Powell is joining CCL this summer as the Resilience and Education Intern working on  the CCL trainings, ongoing resilience projects, reviewing educational content, and engaging others in meaningful conversations about resilience! Amber is from Wilton California, but now resides in Bulverde, Texas where she is a remote grad student at Texas Tech University. 

Her studies surround human sciences and natural sciences in which she has focused on the experience of eco-anxiety and climate grief in climate work. Through her studies, Amber is hoping to learn more about how to help people through these experiences and bring awareness to climate efforts, even when it feels overwhelming. 

In her search of ways to become involved in helping others experiencing climate grief,  she stumbled upon CCL. She has found a connection with her local chapter, and has gradually learned more about what it meant to be involved and educated in climate advocacy. 

This Summer Amber is feeling enthusiastic about the prospect of learning more about what it means to be resilient and support others in climate work. More specifically, she’d love to learn more about how to facilitate positive group sharing experiences of climate grief and ways of communicating key information about climate work resiliency. 

Amber loves music. In her free time she is often singing, playing guitar, piano, or ukulele. She also enjoys reading, writing, growing plants, and hiking. Through her hobbies and studies Amber has found herself deeply interested in a variety of topics such as ecopsychology, music theory, positive youth development, ecosystem management, forestry, sustainable design architecture, and biodesign. We are so pleased to have Amber joining the team this summer!

Intern Spotlight: Gram Brownlee

Gram Brownlee is a rising Senior at Elon University, where he is majoring in Journalism and Political Science. Gram moved around a lot, but has been settled in Greenville, South Carolina for over a decade now.

As a mountain biker and general adventure-sports enthusiast, Gram has always had a focus on the environment and paid close attention to federal environmental policy. Gram feels strongly about the importance of implementing the government regulations necessary to curb climate change. He finds himself drawn to climate advocacy by his desire to play a part in making necessary changes for our planet and is excited to be working with an organization like CCL that amplifies such calls to action. 

This Summer Gram is working at CCL as a media intern where he will be writing blog posts and doing quality assurance on other CCL posts and letters, as well as helping run LTE and media outreach Zoom workshops and support CCL volunteers as they work with their local news organizations to advocate for the organization's major policy areas of focus. Gram has some previous experience working as a writing consultant and is looking forward to adapting his skills to CCL’s needs by working with community members to improve their writing of LTEs and Op-Eds. 

Gram currently works for Elon’s Writing Center and Event Technology department. He is also a member of the  Model UN and the club climbing team. As an avid nature lover Gram enjoys mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, board games, pokémon, learning new languages, and hanging out with his 11 year old dog Bacon.

We are thrilled to have a talented writer and dedicated climate activist like Gram working with us this summer!

Intern Spotlight: Annika Ingrassia

Annika Ingrassia is our Communications Intern at CCL this summer where she manages the daily media reports, important volunteer submissions, social media content, and provides zoom support on LTE and media support calls. Annika is originally from Lake Forest, California, but now lives in Chicago, Illinois where she works as a full-time nanny. 

Communications Intern Annika Ingrassia

Annika found herself  drawn to climate work given her love for nature and enduring passion for sustainability. Through her internship with CCL, she is eager to learn more about the different avenues of climate advocacy and how one can bring about meaningful change in our own communities.

Annika is an avid reader who enjoys, as she puts it, “quite literally anything by Joan Didion.” She is also a lover of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, knitting, and going out to concerts. Her most favorite musical artist is Blood Orange!

Follow Annika on instagram @anniingrassia

Intern Spotlight: Willow Nagai

Raised in Chicago, Illinois, Willow Nagai was drawn to climate advocacy upon entering the University of Rochester where she is now a Junior. Willow has always been passionate about environmental conservation, but was originally pulled toward scientific research. Upon beginning her university studies policy and advocacy resonated with her. This discovery led her to add a Political Science major to her already impressive Environmental Studies major. She has loved the environmental policy classes she has taken thus far.

University of Rochester Junior Willow Nagai

At CCL this Summer Willow will be filling the role of Education and Engagement Intern. This title allows her to welcome new CCL members in the Intros Forum, post job listings, help with the weekly CCAP training, and work to create education material for CCL!

As an individual with an outgoing personality, Willow is looking forward to getting to know others who are passionate about environmental advocacy. Willow is also eager to bolster her knowledge of environmental legislation.

Willow is involved in a sustainability program called EcoReps and will also be doing an REU at UT Austin this summer.

In her spare time Willow loves to dance, thrift, read and spend time with friends. If you catch her with her headphones on she’s most likely listening to Olivia Dean and if you catch with her head in a book it’s most likely the Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

We’re pleased to have Willow working with CCl this summer using her knowledge of environmental studies and politics for climate advocacy. 

Follow Willow on Instagram @willownaggy

Intern Spotlight: Cooper Keane

A first year student at Columbia University, Cooper Keane, is determined to gain experience in grassroots advocacy and community engagement. A Staten Island native, Cooper is studying environmental science. 

Columbia University Student Cooper Keane

As one of CCL’s Chapter Development Interns this summer Cooper will be supporting weekly informational sessions, supporting various projects, and working on a summer passion project involving his local community. 

Cooper’s hobbies include archery and raising butterflies. His devotion to raising butterflies from a young age is what first got him interested in protecting and caring for nature. Cooper also has fond memories of going on nature hikes as a child. He feels drawn to CCL’s work given his determination to preserve the creatures and nature that made his childhood. He worries for the future of the planet and is hoping his work can help assure other kids are able to share his passion for raising butterflies, hiking, and exploring nature. 

We’re thrilled to have Cooper, someone so dedicated to the preservation of nature, working with CCL this summer.

Intern Spotlight: Julia Einaudi

A rising senior at Lewis & Clark studying environmental science, Julia Einaudi, is channeling her creativity into climate advocacy. Julia is an animal lover with two dogs and a cat at home with a deep love for nature and the outdoors. She is drawn to advocacy as someone who wants to productively channel her concerns for the planet into something impactful. 

Rising Senior at Lewis & Clark, Julia Einaudi, studying Environmental Science

In addition to being a dedicated student Julia enjoys listening to music, hiking, reading, writing poetry, drawing and painting. She’s heavily involved with Lewis & Clark's Student Government, Office of Sustainability, and the Student Voters Club. She is also on the associate board for the non-profit organization Green Empowerment. Julia is not only a college outreach intern here at CCL connecting higher education institutions, students, and educators with climate advocacy opportunities; she is also working for Buzzards Bay Coalition in Massachusetts. 

This summer Julia is excited to deepen her understanding of climate advocacy while contributing to meaningful initiatives, and continue developing valuable skills in social media management and writing. Julia is looking forward to an enriching summer in which she will channel her love for the planet and her creative skills to effectively communicate with others about climate-related issues. We’re excited to have Julia, a student dedicated to climate research and advocacy, working with us this summer.

Intern Spotlight: Sedona Silvera

Sedona is a junior at New York University, majoring in International Relations and Spanish!

Sedona Silvera is a born and raised New Yorker, growing up in Long Island and now a junior at New York University! She is studying International Relations and Spanish at NYU, but has a deep passion for climate and environmental advocacy. She grew up by the beach, which heightened her concern for the ocean, beaches, and wildlife that depend on them. Since joining CCL’s Climate Advocacy Certificate Program this spring, Sedona has felt hopeful and excited about advancing meaningful climate action.

This summer, Sedona will be doing this by working as one of our college outreach interns! She will primarily be focusing on directly contacting institutions, faculty, and students to share about our work. Sedona will also be welcoming new student volunteers to CCL and ensuring they find where they belong here. She is excited to deepen her own climate literacy, learn about how to communicate effectively, and connect with others about climate change. 

In addition to her courses and her climate advocacy, Sedona is committed to service. She is deeply involved with the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Parkinson’s Disease at Stonybrooke Southampton Hospital. When she does take a break, you can find her swimming, working out, or traveling. This summer, she’ll be taking her second trip to Turkey! She also shares her time with her two dogs, Harper and Scout, and cat, Summer. We are thrilled to work with someone as passionate about service and making a difference as Sedona!

Fellow Spotlight: Megha Bhatt

Megha is committed to creating inclusive climate spaces!

Megha Bhatt, growing up in sunny California, has been profoundly impacted by the Western region’s recurring wildfires and droughts. Her exposure is what has driven Megha to take meaningful action in climate advocacy. Currently, she is channeling her dedication into a year-long fellowship with our Diversity and Inclusion team, aiming to cultivate inclusive environments for anyone to participate in climate discourse.

In addition to her fellowship, Megha serves as a board member for her local United Nations Association Chapter. In her down time, she enjoys listening to music, with her favorite bands being Fiction Junction and Kalafina. We are delighted to have a kind and driven person like Megha in CCL for the remainder of the year!

Fellow Spotlight: Daniel Opoku

Daniel is wrapping up his master’s degree, the latest step in his winding journey as a climate advocate.

Daniel Opoku is finishing up a Master’s in Geospatial Science at Bowling Green State University.  Born in Ghana and currently residing in Toledo, Ohio, Daniel’s journey towards climate advocacy was sparked by observation. Witnessing the disparity between the urgency of climate action and the lack of vocal advocacy motivated Daniel to join organizations like CCL, where he could use his voice for a cause.

In his role with CCL, Daniel utilizes geospatial techniques to visualize data, providing a comprehensive visual representation of climate activities. Through maps and other visuals, Daniel facilitates communication and outreach efforts. For Daniel, his fellowship is more than just a professional opportunity, but it’s also a chance to expand his skill set and contribute to climate advocacy.

Outside of his work with CCL, Daniel remains actively engaged in various roles, including at Bowling Green State University where he serves as an Assistant Teaching Instructor. He is also a member of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). Daniel also enjoys staying active with soccer, tuning into the news, and listening to music. One of his favorite songs is Second Sermon by Black Sheriff featuring Burna Boy. We have loved having Daniel in CCL and are excited to see his work continue throughout the year!

Intern Spotlight: Nabila Wilson

Nabila has started her undergraduate degree, the latest step in her winding journey as a climate advocate.

Nabila Wilson is from Texas, growing up around Houston. This year, she began her undergraduate studies in Sustainability Science at Furman University. Nabila’s climate journey was prompted by the catastrophic events of Hurricane Harvey. The reality of climate change dawned upon her, realizing she needs to be a part of the movement to save our planet.

Throughout the semester, Nabila has been supporting our Chapter Development team. Her primary duties consist of providing technical support for weekly informational sessions, tracking volunteer media work, working on op-eds, articles, and assisting with our monthly Letter Writing Zoom Parties. She also researches climate articles and newspaper submission details for regional media training sessions. By the end of her internship, Nabila hopes to gain valuable skills regarding climate advocacy and environmental policy. Most importantly, she wants to help other people in their climate journey. 

Nabila’s climate efforts don’t just stop at CCL. At university, she’s an Eco-Rep, secretary for the Environmental Action Group, and an active member of the Outdoors Club. Besides climate work, Nabila’s is interested in hiking and martial arts. She loves reading and watching movies, some of her favorites being made by Studio Ghibli. We have loved having Nabila in CCL!

Intern Spotlight: Georgeanna Cannon

Georgeanna has been working to curate our Summer Conference in June!

Georgeanna Cannon is a senior at Missouri State University pursuing a BA in Political Science with a double minors in History and French. Originally from the city of Los Angeles, Georgeanna now calls Springfield, Missouri home. Her initial draw to climate advocacy came from personal fears regarding the future of the planet. By embracing climate advocacy, Georgeanna discovered its power to unite diverse voices in conversations about the future of sustainable living.

As a National Events Intern, Georgeanna plays an important role in organizing CCL’s upcoming Summer Conference slated for this June. She collaborates with various departments in CCL, liaises with potential speakers and congressional members, and will attend the conference herself to see through its operations. Beyond the responsibility, Georgeanna sees her role as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. She aims to gain insights into grassroots non profit organizations, enhance her project management skills, and deepen her knowledge as a young advocate. Prior to, and at the conference, she hopes to develop her relationship with CCL staff.

Apart from her involvement with CCL, Georgeanna is an active member of Phi Eta Sigma and The National Society for Leadership and Success. In her downtime, she enjoys reading a good book, listening to music (Beyonce is her favorite), and attending ballet classes! She’s a big fan of entertainment like the Princess Bride and Bob’s Burgers. We are so excited to see Georgeanna’s hard work come to life this summer!

Intern Spotlight: Cristine Lin

Cristine showcases her love for the outdoors!

Cristine Lin is a long-time Florida native. Though she grew up in Orlando, she now resides in Gainesville to study at the University of Florida. Her major in Sustainability Studies and Political Science came from a growing concern around environmentally harmful business practices. Climate advocacy and sustainable policy soon became an interest for Cristine as she observed our culture of overconsumption, which in return led to pollution and resource scarcity. 

In this semester, Cristine will be assisting in our Chapter Development team. She helps with meeting reminders, follow-ups on information sessions, and other general duties. Additionally, her and fellow Chapter Development intern, Isidora, are working to launch a CCL chapter at the University of Florida. Through CCL, Cristine hopes to gain more experience on the non-profit aspect of climate advocacy through lobbying.

Cristine dabbles in  a multitude of fun hobbies. These include embroidering, up cycling, and pickleball! For the last few years, she’s had her dog, Sawyer, to keep her company. Cristine has brought all her positive energy to CCL this spring, we are happy to have her!

Intern Spotlight: Isidora Lea-Plaza

Isidora moved from Chile to the States to continue her environmental studies!

Isidora currently lives in Gainesville, Florida. She’ll be attending the University of Florida next semester for her master’s in Forest Resources and Conservation. In her home country of Chile, Isidora worked as an environmental activist and conservation professional upon witnessing the effects of climate change on her country. When she moved to the United States to pursue her studies, she wanted to continue her involvement in climate work. Isidora found CCL and immediately knew it was a place she could take action and a way to meet others with similar values.

As a Chapter Development intern, Isidora works with general organizational tasks for CCL. Her and her co-intern, Cristine, are also working to reactivate CCL’s University of Florida chapter as a common passion project. Besides her work in Chapter Development, Isidora is a member of the Latino Action Team. She assists with translating CCL materials and information sessions in Spanish. Isidora is passionate about the different ways to get involved with climate action. Most importantly, she wants to know the actions she can take in a new country where she’ll pursue her graduate studies.

Isidora is still getting involved back in Chile. Remotely, she collaborates with Ciem Aconcagua, a local NGO from Central Chile that supports conservation initiatives within farm communities. When she’s not supporting climate efforts both home and abroad, Isidora loves to skate and explore the outdoors. She is an avid movie watcher, her favorite director being Wes Anderson. She’s a huge cat lover, having two of her own—Ágata and Tomás. We have loved to see how Isidora has brought her passion and enthusiasm towards CCL!

Intern Spotlight: Aana Shenai

Aana is passionate about being a positive influence on youth climate advocates!

Aana is a current freshman starting off her studies in Environmental Science and Policy at Loyola University Chicago. Back at her hometown in Cincinnati, Ohio, Aana worked at a local farm’s summer camp. Her experience was composed of teaching youth in an interactive setting about the environment, sparking her interest in helping others learn more about how to protect it.

Aana’s role as an intern at CCL revolves around supporting the Great School Electrification Challenge. She collaborates closely with high school teams participating in the challenge, offering guidance and monitoring their progress. Throughout her internship, Aana aims to deepen her understanding of the policy aspects of climate activism.

Apart from her role at CCL, Aana is deeply engaged in various other organizations. She serves as the Director of Collaborations at Our Youth for the Climate and sits on the board of 350 Chicago. Additionally, at university, she plays an important role in leading the DEI Campaign at Loyola’s Student Environmental Alliance. In her leisure time, Aana indulges in thrifting, spending time outdoors, watching Parks and Recreation, and reading—her current favorite book being An American Marriage. Aana’s dedication to empowering youth makes her a welcomed addition to CCL, and we’re thrilled to have her on board!