Meet our Summer Interns

EricEpstein

Eric Epstein

Communications Intern

Eric is a rising senior at Northwestern University studying journalism, psychology, and integrated marketing communications. Eric co-founded the Northwestern Surf Club, with the mission of establishing a diverse and welcoming community of students who love to surf on Lake Michigan and are passionate about conserving its aquatic ecosystems.

As the communications intern, Eric is primarily helping to tell the stories of the 15 Neighborhood Power Project participants. He is extremely interested in housing equity and access to affordable housing, and believes that investing in the sustainability of existing buildings is a great avenue for increasing housing equity throughout Chicago. He is extraordinarily eager to learn more about the sustainable building revolution and how every Chicago resident can benefit from carbon-free buildings.

Eric’s favorite activity is biking wherever and whenever he can, and he also enjoys camping, surfing, reading, and making breakfast burritos.

BellaMendoza

Bella Mendoza

Green Schools Outreach & Engagement Intern

Bella is a rising fourth year at the University of Chicago studying Comparative Human Development and Public Policy. She is the Green Schools Outreach and Engagement Intern at Illinois Green Alliance this summer.

At UChicago, Bella has been involved with Gateway to the Great Outdoors, EdPros, and Phoenix Farms. Bella is interested in integrating sustainability and the environment into educational programs and loves working with students of all ages!

Bella loves to try out new recipes, listening to podcasts of all kinds, and reading in her hammock.