Meet our Spring 2024 Communications Intern: Alejandra Rodriguez
Our Spring 2024 intern, Alejandra will be wrapping up her internship with Illinois Green Alliance in May. During her time here, she wrote about the intersection of affordable housing and sustainability, covered a city council hearing on the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance, and developed a media master list.
She is a current junior at Loyola University Chicago studying Environmental Policy, with minors in Creative Writing and Political Science. Previously, Alejandra interned with the Lakota People’s Law Project, where she furthered her passion for environmental justice and an equitable, sustainable future.
In her free time, she likes to perform with her school’s percussion ensemble, go to concerts, work toward completing her goal of reading 50 books a year, and write creatively.
Q&A with Alejandra
Why did you want to intern with Illinois Green?
I wanted to positively contribute to meeting the goal of being emissions free by 2050. Illinois Green is a very important organization doing amazing work in the environmental sector.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned so far?
I’ve vastly furthered my knowledge of clean energy systems. I feel more informed about policy and technology surrounding the green building sector—and have especially enjoyed learning about how cool heat pumps are!
What story are you most excited to share?
I am most excited to share what I learned about green and affordable housing through writing about the Conservatory Apartments in Humboldt Park, which showed me that affordability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Where does your passion for sustainability/buildings come from?
My passion for sustainability within the built environment stems from learning about how much of our carbon emissions come from buildings. Everyone needs energy, so it should be clean and accessible to all.
Where does your passion for storytelling come from?
As a kid, I was constantly exposed to the news by my parents and grandparents. Even at a young age, smart media usage educated, informed, and furthered my passions for social causes.
What are your goals for your career?
I’m still figuring out what exactly I want to pursue, but I want to continue working in the environmental sector with green urban initiatives. Once I graduate, I want to get my masters focused on sustainability.